Bolangir: A four-member central team today visited several places in Bolangir district to take stock of the pest menace situation which has assumed serious proportions here.
The visit assumes significance as farmers in several areas of the district are worried as their paddy crops have been damaged by brown plant-hoppers, a pest locally known as chakada.
According to sources, the concerned team will review the situation by conducting field visits in Deogaon and Sadar block in the district. The team will also hold discussions with the farmers and suggest remedial measures to prevent their cops from the pest attack.
The team will also visit Bolangir,Bargarh, Subarnapur and several parts in Sambalpur district which have been worst-hit by the pest menace, sources said.
“They came for inspection, the pesticides that government is providing is not at all effective. We are now suffering as our crops are getting completely damaged,”a farmer alleged.
Nearly 14 blocks in Bolangir district have been affected by the chakada pest menace.
“Today, we conducted survey in at least three villages in Bolangir district. Our work is to create awareness among the farmers and will advise them regarding the appropriate methods to use pesticides so that further crop damage can be prevented,” informed an official of the central team.
Prasanta Patnaik 
Simanchal