Mitigating the impact of the invasive fall armyworm: evidence from South Asian farmers and policy recommendations

Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is an invasive pest in South Asia. The current paper documents farmers' perceptions of fall armyworm in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal and explores the current management practices adopted by farmers. A structured survey was conducted with 526 farmers regarding current cropping practices, identification of fall armyworm and its damage, management, capacity-building activities, and support from government and non-government extension services. The results suggested that most of the farmers reported very high to moderate damage from fall armyworm, and that the damage and spread increased over time. Although farmers used a range of management practices to control fall armyworm, chemical pesticides were still the dominant tool. Farmers learnt about the pest and its identification from their fellow farmers and individual experiences, while services from government and non-government offices were limited. Therefore, there is a need for an innovative extension approach, including the promotion of digital technologies. Similarly, the evaluation and promotion of new technologies as part of integrated pest management strategies (IPM) must be deployed to manage fall armyworm.

Automated summary

The paper investigates farmers' perceptions and management practices regarding fall armyworm in South Asia. The results indicate that farmers experience significant damage from fall armyworm, and its spread is increasing over time. Chemical pesticides are still the dominant tool for control. Therefore, there is a need for innovative extension approaches, such as digital technologies, and promotion of new technologies as part of integrated pest management strategies.