Massive pest attack on aman in 13 upazilas in Comilla

This year, 92,940 hectares were brought under aman cultivation in the district. Pests invaded 45.75 hectares in Chandina, 101 hectares in Dabidwar, 98.95 hectares in Muradnagar, 88 hectares in Homna, 132 hectares in Burichang, 19 hectares in Chowddagram, 326 hectares in Laksam, 81 hectares in Nangolkot, 131 hectares in Barura and 68 hectares in the Sadar upazila.

Besides, the paddy plants are dying due to root diseases.

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Agricultural experts said bacterial diseases broke out due to affected seeds, air pollution and attack by grass hopper.

Experts said, pests like Leaf Ruler, Chungi, Gall Machhi, Majra, Pamri, Leda and Green Leaf Grass Hopper have attacked aman fields due to water stagnation after flooding and heavy rainfall.

Farmers said the situation aggravated as they failed to control pests even after applying pesticides in the affected fields. Some villagers in Muradnagar upazila alleged that no block supervisor visited agricultural fields as yet.

Meanwhile, banned and date expired insecticides have flooded local markets. A section of unscrupulous traders are selling those at comparatively cheaper prices.