Fall Army Worms invade Siavonga

The Ministry of Agriculture in Siavonga District has received reports of Fall Army Worm attacks in a number of camps.

District Agriculture Coordinating Officer, Anderson Mutinta has confirmed the development to ZANIS in an interview.

Mr Mutinta said the ministry has since moved in to ascertain the extent of damage and verify the areas which have been affected,

He explained that while verification is on-going, the ministry is disseminating control measures which farmers can use to eliminate the pest.

“We are also sending messages to the farmers through our agriculture extension officers on how best they can control the Fall Army Worms” he said

The DACO also disclosed that some chemicals which remained from the previous farming season have since been distributed to farmers to help fight the pests.

And Gwena Camp Agriculture Extension Officer, Fridah Kyombela says the outbreak of fall army worms in the camp has left a huge effect on the growth of the crop.

Ms Kyombela says there is need for framers to take quick action so as not to affect the yield of the maize crop.

Meanwhile, Kenny Siamatika, a farmer has called on government to assist farmers in securing chemicals for the control of fall army worms.

Mr Siamatika said the pest if left unchecked will cause a huge damage on the crop forcing farmers to remain in poverty.

He also revealed that apart from fall army worms, some fields have isolated cases of crickets a situation which is also worrying to the farmers.

“Our appeal is on government to quickly move in and provide us with chemicals so that we can fight these pests which have invaded our fields” he explained.

The Minister of Agriculture Reuben Mtolo has confirmed that ninety six out of one hundred and sixteen districts in the country are infested with fall army worms.