Chronicle Editor
Lingani Nyika in Masvingo, [email protected]
GOVERNMENT is working closely with farmers to intensify the fight against invasive pests such as the fall armyworm and migratory insects, which are a threat to crop yields across the country.
Despite the prolonged dry spell due to the adverse impact of the El Nino weather conditions, farmers are still hopeful the season would yield something to boost national grain reserves.
Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries and Water and Rural Development provincial agriculture specialist, Mr Jonas Chinyavada, said they have made significant headway in minimising the destructive impact of pests on crops.
“As a ministry, we are advocating for much scouting at least twice a week, once every three days and we need to implement the ‘Integrated Pest Management’ strategy to reduce pest infestation,” he said.
“We are also in a bid to launch a provincial war against pests so that we can reduce the effects of the fall armyworm.”
Mr Chinyavada said the armyworm has become a key target as it affects wider areas and is increasingly becoming a threat to the farmers’ yields.
“Due to climate change, we are receiving new pests and we have 8547,3ha that is prone to fall armyworm and a total of 47 percent has reached threshold level,” he said.
“About African armyworm, which is a notifiable pest, we have not received any significant reports in the province but we have secured chemicals that will attend to any outbreaks in the province.”
An African armyworm has a velvet black colour and has since affected about four regions, Midlands, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland East and Mashonaland West.
Migratory pests and bio-security control acting director, Mr Shingirayi Nyamutukwa, recently visited Masvingo Province for a tour during a Farmer Field Schools programme in Chivi District during which he addressed farmers on prevailing migratory pests and ways to mitigate the effects.
“The prevailing fall armyworm destroys not only maize plants but mostly small grain crops. Reports have shown that in hot temperatures, fall armyworms are prone to increase as well as infestation levels,” he said.
“We urge farmers to start field scouting early to control possible crop damages in the early phases,” said Mr Nyamutukwa.
He said there are several other menacing migratory pests that farmers should look out for and report any signs to the department for early assistance.
“In terms of other pests, we are receiving reports of pests like armoured crickets and elegant grasshoppers that move in groups, feeding on maize crops and can destroy a plant in a short period,” he said.
The ministry’s thrust is to enhance food security and sustainability in the province and the country at large by improving crop production.
Chivi District agronomist, Mrs Shuvai Mushonga, commended the Government for striving to improve crop production in the district.
Online Reporter