After bamboo flowering in one of the species known by the Aos as ‘Ashi’ (Bambusa Pallida) and subsequent rat infestation in paddy fields and farms were reported from villages. The situation was alarming as swarms of rat invading fields and devouring crops were reported every day.
District Agriculture Officer, (DAO) Mokokchung, Bendangtemsu said that report of destruction of crops particularly the paddy by nocturnal rat swarms were received from Mangmetong, Kinunger, Changki, Chungliyimsen, Dibuia, Waromong, Longjang, Japu, Longsemdang and a number of villages from Tzurangkong range. He said two mini trucks loaded with chemicals Ruban, Ratol and Ecodon arrived at Mokokchung and were distributed to those affected villages to control burgeoning population of rats. He said that department is considering procuring ‘Zinc Phosphates’ if need be, to control the menace. He however said that this chemical would be used only when situation goes beyond control. The DAO was apprehensive of using Zinc Phosphates as this chemical not only kill rats but also kill other mammals, birds and insects. He also said departmental officers and field staffs are closely monitoring the situation in the District by conducting visit to those affected villages.
The phenomenon of bamboo flowering and rat infestation was last seen in 1961-62 in the District where number of villages were severely hit resulting in starvation among the people.
(DPRO Mokokchung)
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