Sri Lanka’s paddy farmers, already burdened by heavy rainfall, wildlife intrusions, and economic struggles, are now confronting an unprecedented challenge—an outbreak of an unidentified worm species wreaking havoc on their crops.
The pest infestation, reported in several districts, has deepened the woes of farmers still recovering from recent floods. These floods left many paddy fields buried under layers of sand, compelling farmers to undertake the laborious task of clearing their lands while navigating a slow and complex compensation process.
In addition to the pest outbreak, wild elephants have caused significant crop damage across the island, further threatening farmers’ livelihoods.
The situation is particularly dire in districts like Anuradhapura, including areas such as Oyamaduwa and Vilachchiya, where farmers report that the pest has severely impacted their paddy fields. Despite extensive use of insecticides, they remain unable to control the infestation, raising fears of a substantial decline in harvests.
Farmers are calling for immediate intervention from authorities, warning that the pest could spread to other regions if left unchecked, exacerbating the already critical agricultural crisis. Swift and decisive action is needed to safeguard crops and protect the livelihoods of those who depend on them.
