Sweetcorn farmers suffer huge losses in Xayaboury
VIENTIANE (Vientiane Times/ANN) – Xayaboury province is anticipating a 30 percent shortfall in sweetcorn supplies to domestic and overseas markets this year after the crop has been invaded by fall armyworms.
The current epidemic of this pest (Spodoptera frugiperda) across the province has resulted in big problems for farmers and authorities, who are trying to control the outbreak.
Director of Xayaboury’s Agriculture and Forestry Department, Mr Somvang Keovilaysak, said 30 percent of 35,000 hectares of maize crops had been destroyed by the caterpillars.
Times Reporters
http://annx.asianews.network/content/sweetcorn-farmers-suffer-huge-losses-xayaboury-100823
