Stating that attack by caterpillars would damage paddy crop in several districts, the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) on Saturday asked the State Government to take immediate steps to save the farmers from the pest menace.
OPCC general secretary Arjya Kumar Gyanendra said though there was an expectation of a good crop this season, caterpillar attack has destroyed crop in Sonepur, Kalahandi, Nuapada, Balangir and Bargarh districts.
The situation has worsened further as there has been large-scale black marketing of insecticides used for this reason. The Agriculture Department which should monitor the situation is yet to take step in this regard, Gyanendra said and demanded that strong action should be taken against the black marketeers.