The Kharif season in the Shergarh region of Jodhpur is currently witnessing severe distress as a massive outbreak of Katra pests threatens farmers' livelihoods. Fields spanning thousands of bighas in Sointra and surrounding villages have fallen victim to these destructive insects, causing deep anxiety among local cultivators who poured their hard work into the current agricultural cycle.
Orange Pests Devouring Crops Rapidly
Farmers are observing large numbers of vibrant orange pests swarming across their fields. These insects are aggressively feeding on the leaves and tender parts of vital crops including moong, moth, guar, til, and bajra. As the pests devour the foliage, the plants are rapidly weakening and withering away, leaving cultivators staring at potential losses amounting to lakhs of rupees.
Alarming Situation and Heavy Investments
The rapid spread of the pest infestation has created a critical situation across multiple farms. Moving in swarms, the insects strip the plants bare, stunting their growth and threatening total destruction if left unchecked. Cultivators point out that they invested heavily in expensive seeds, fertilizers, irrigation, and pesticides to raise this season's yield, making the potential crop failure a direct blow to their financial stability.
Demands for Official Surveys and Compensation
Faced with mounting losses, farmers have strongly demanded immediate official surveys and financial relief. Local farmer Babusingh God explained that thousands of bighas of crops across Sointra and nearby areas have suffered extensive damage due to the Katra attack. He emphasized that despite putting in immense labor and financial resources, their hard work is on the verge of being completely wiped out.
The farming community has urged the government and district administration to dispatch teams from the agriculture department and crop insurance companies to conduct an immediate assessment of the affected villages. They want a realistic evaluation of the damage so that appropriate compensation can be disbursed under the crop insurance scheme. Additionally, farmers are asking the agriculture department to provide guidance on effective pest control measures and recommended chemicals.
Regular Monitoring and Precautionary Measures
Given the severity of the Katra outbreak, agricultural experts advise farmers to maintain continuous surveillance of their fields by regularly checking leaves and plants for any signs of the pest. If an infestation is spotted at an early stage, cultivators should consult agriculture department officials or experts before applying appropriate pesticides.
Farmers have been cautioned against haphazardly spraying excessive amounts of chemicals without proper technical knowledge, which could further harm the crops. Promptly reporting affected fields to the relevant authorities is essential to ensure timely surveys, accurate damage assessments, and effective steps to save the remaining harvest.
