According to the statistics from Heilongjiang Civil Affairs Bureau, as of 9 am August 21, the armyworm disaster that started at the beginning of August has affected 638,000 local residents in four cities, including Harbin, Qiqihar, Daqing and Suihua. The area of affected crops has reached 2,078,000 hectares, of which 51,000 hectares have failed to grow. The direct economic losses has hit 420 million yuan ($65.94 million).

More than 3,100 agricultural technicians have joined the battle against armyworms in Heilongjiang province and all the serious armyworm-affected areas have been effectively controlled, reported Xinhua News Agencies.

A long-distance mechanized pesticide sprayer drives through the cornfields on August 22, Mingjiu township, Zhaodong city, Helongjiang province. [Photo/Xinhua]

A long-distance mechanized pesticide sprayer drives through the cornfields on August 22, Mingjiu township, Zhaodong city, Helongjiang province. [Photo/Xinhua]

Corn supply:

 Pest 'affect little' on corn production 
 China's grain market remains stable 
 China to release corn, rice from reserves
 Rising US corn prices affect Chinese imports