Brown planthoppers are currently affecting paddy cultivations in the country, Director-General of the Agriculture Department Dr. W.M.W. Weerakoon told The Morning.
He said the pest is rapidly spreading in paddy cultivations in the Ampara district.
"The Agriculture Department has taken measures to control the spread by informing farmers and providing relevant advise on how to kill the insects.
"There is a possibility of heavy infestations, hence the farmers must implement all control measures as soon as possible," Weerakoon added.
The brown planthopper , under heavy infestations, can cause the wilting and complete drying of rice plants, Weerakoon said.