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What is the fall armyworm and why should we worry?

The fall army worm is (was) native to the Americas shifting between North and South America based on weather. A corn shipment (most likely) across Atlantic transported the worm to the African continent. After reaching Africa in 2016 there has been no stopping the worm. It has taken a liking to the warmer climates. The worm took the land route across Africa, the Middle East, South Asia into South East Asia and China. It is now a global conqueror.

The worm has devastated crops in over 50 countries:

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/factsheet/journey-of-the-fall-armyworm-63449?fbclid=IwAR3Jy89SR1LlCShk9_a1GzrgJYuj5qlG7hBvUy8TAUzGDvDS2mnQkYrvS60

It was first detected in India in early 2018 and has destroyed maize crops in many states. Many of the maize farmers in India are small, rain-dependent croppers who get one shot for agricultural income every year.