Farmers in Parsagadhi Municipality and other rural areas of Parsa have become increasingly worried after a rapid spread of brown planthopper infestation in Chaite paddy crops. The pest attack has intensified during the crucial growth and tillering stage of the rice crop, causing paddy plants to turn yellow and red, raising fears of reduced production.
According to local farmers, the infestation during the crop growth period has created anxiety that the entire crop may be destroyed. Farmer Krishna Basnet from Parsagadhi Municipality-3 said the pest attack has become severe during the tillering stage, causing significant mental stress among farmers.
“So many insects in the paddy field have made us worried whether the crop will survive or not. We are even losing sleep over it,” he said.
Agriculture technician Shivpujan Mahato stated that the number of farmers seeking help regarding the pest problem has increased recently. He explained that the pest stays at the base of the rice plant and sucks sap, causing the plant to gradually turn yellow, then red, and eventually dry out.
To control the infestation, he suggested draining water from the field for three to five days and using chemical pesticides if necessary. He recommended applying “Acephate 75% SP at 2 milliliters or Buprofezin 25% SC at 1.5 milliliters” at weekly intervals, targeting the base of the plant rather than spraying from above.
Farmers reported that the infestation has also been seen in Sakhuwaprasouni Rural Municipality, Paterwasugauli Rural Municipality, Jirabhawani Rural Municipality, and Bahudarmai Municipality.
Agriculture technicians have urged farmers to adopt preventive and control measures immediately as the infestation continues to spread.
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