Aizawl, June 29 -- Swift action by agricultural officials and local farmers has successfully brought a recent outbreak of leaf folder caterpillars under control in shifting cultivation (jhum) areas across three villages in Mizoram's Khawzawl district, according to district agriculture officer Lallawmzuali.
Speaking over the phone on Sunday, Lallawmzuali confirmed that the infestation by Cnaphalocrocis medinalis, commonly known as leaf folder caterpillars, was effectively suppressed thanks to timely pesticide application.
"The pesticides applied directly to the paddy leaves proved to be highly effective in curbing the outbreak before it could result in major damage to the crops," she said.
The caterpillars, which feed on paddy leaves and s...