Dharamshala, July 24 -- Infestation of the fall armyworm (FAW), a destructive pest, has been reported in several parts of Himachal Pradesh, posing a serious threat to maize crops and causing concern among farmers across multiple districts.

According to agriculture department officials, a significant and widespread FAW infestation has been reported from several parts of North Zone - which comprises Kangra, Hamirpur, Mandi, Una and Chamba districts. In the north zone, maize has been sowed on approximately 1.70 lakh hectares.

Till July 22, the FAW infestation in Una was reported at around 15%, it was 10-12% in Hamirpur, 12% in lower parts of Kangra, 10% in Chamba and 8-10% in some pockets of Mandi district.

Fall armyworm (FAW), scientific...