Rapid Assessment of Boro Paddy Infestation by Brown Planthopper in Morigaon District, Assam, India Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

In April 2016, farmers from Morigaon and Nagaon districts of Assam, India encountered severe pest infestation in their boro paddy (summer paddy) areas, which was unusual. Morigaon district with an area of 1550 sq. km having a population of about 9.6 lakhs (as of 2011), was the worst affected with four out of the five revenue circles, viz. Mayong, Bhuragaon, Laharighat, Morigaon and Mikirbheta being affected. Investigations by the District Agricultural Department and Regional Agricultural Research Station, Nagaon confirmed it to be infestation by brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens (Stal). Planthoppers are a problem in rainfed and irrigated wetland environments.