Farmers, still recovering from the effects of heavy rains and wildlife damage, are now confronted with a new threat: an outbreak of unidentified worms destroying their crops.
This pest problem has been reported in several regions, adding to the difficulties faced by farmers who were already working to restore their fields after recent flooding. The floods left many paddy fields covered in sand, compelling farmers to clear the debris while dealing with a slow and complex compensation process.
In districts like Anuradhapura, particularly in Oyamaduwa and Vilachchiya, the worm outbreak has severely affected paddy fields. Despite the use of various insecticides, the pest remains uncontrollable, raising fears of a sharp decline in harvests.
Farmers warn that if authorities fail to act quickly, the infestation could spread to other regions, worsening the agricultural crisis. They are calling for urgent intervention to protect their crops and livelihoods from further damage.
