Govt tackles armyworm threat

Sunday Mail Reporter

The GOVERNMENT has released pesticides countrywide to avert any possible armyworm attack.

Agricultural experts are already on the ground to monitor the situation and advise farmers on precautionary measures against the pest.

Masvingo and Mashonaland Central have reported cases of the worm.

Agricultural Advisory and Rural Development Services chief director Professor Obert Jiri told The Sunday Mail that pesticides had been dispatched to all provinces.

“We are on high alert as far as the armyworm is concerned. We had sightings in Muzarabani (Mashonaland Central) and Masvingo. For the sighting in Muzarabani, there was also an armyworm that affects cotton.

“The actual African armyworm that affects maize and small cereal crops was in small patches and it was quickly nipped.

“The Masvingo case was a new one, so it was easily dealt with. Above all, as Government, we have dispatched Carbaryl 85 Wettable Powder to all provinces as a precautionary and standby measure. So, at the stage we are now, we can say the scare of armyworm is now over, the bumper harvest is certain.”

January has witnessed heavy rains in most parts of the country, and Prof Jiri said this played a crucial role in suppressing the worm.

“We have agriculture extension officers scouting the respective areas. The ministry has also sent teams of researchers to the hotspot zones for early detection of any invasion,” he said.

Farmers were also encouraged to monitor the situation in their respective fields in the morning and evening to check the presence of the armyworm and report to extension officers any suspected pest-related activity on their crops. The armyworm attacks the leaves and stalks of maize, sorghum, millet, wheat, barley and pastures. It is capable of causing extensive damage and multiplying within a short period.

Zimbabwe Farmers Union executive director Mr Paul Zakariya implored farmers to be vigilant.

“Farmers need to treat these pests as real enemies and safeguard their output at all cost. If we fail to deal with it this season, then we may find ourselves facing the same challenges next season,” he said.