Assam CM asks DCs to assess damage to crops by caterpillars

Guwahati, Sep 13 (PTI) Assam Chief Minister SarbanandaSonowal today directed Deputy Commissioners of districtsaffected by rice swarming caterpillars to personally inspectand assess the damage caused to farm lands with the DistrictAgricultural Officers concerned. The state has been severely affected by rice swarmingcaterpillars, which have destroyed paddy spread over thousandsof hectares in ten districts and the Chief Minister hasdirected the Deputy Commissioners to take necessary action tocontrol the problem. Sonowal said in a statement that the state governmenthas taken the matter seriously and all efforts have been madefor swift and immediate action to control the situation. "The Deputy Commissioners have been directed to go forfield verification so that the caterpillar menace can beprevented from affecting more farming lands," he said. PTI DGDKB