Padi farms bugged by caterpillars

Parasitic presence: A farmer showing padi infested by the caterpillars. — Pic courtesy of farmers

KANGAR: Padi farmers here are staring at a 50% drop in yield due to a severe infestation of the leaf roller moth caterpillar, known locally as ulat putih (white worm).The outbreak has threatened the livelihood of more than 350 farmers in five areas under the Muda Agricultural Development Authority in Perlis.

The five affected Area Farmers Associations are Arau, Kayang, Kangar, Tambun Tulang and Simpang Empat.