Ntabazinduna farmers welcome pause in rains

FARMERS in Ntabazinduna, Matabeleland North Province, have welcomed the brief pause in rains as it will enable them to apply chemicals to control an outbreak of Fall Armyworm (FAW), which had started to wreak havoc on crops such as maize.

Earlier this month, an outbreak of FAW was detected in various parts of Matabeleland North and farmers were urged to be on alert.

The pest, known for its destructive impact on crops, has already caused significant damage and farmers in Ntabazinduna say now that the rains have stopped, they can apply chemicals to control the outbreak.

FAW (spodoptera frugiperda) is a polyphagous pest that primarily feeds on maize but can also feed on other crops such as wheat, sorghum, millet, sugarcane, vegetables and cotton.

Mr Mbuyazwe Nyathi of Bhekani Village in Ntabazinduna said he bought the chemicals but could not apply them because it was raining.

“We have been praying for good rains this season and we are happy with the state of our crops in the fields. The only problem was that the continuous rains were preventing us from applying chemicals to control Fall Armyworm.

“For the chemicals to be effective, we should spray when it is not raining and I’m happy the rains have stopped,” said Mr Nyathi.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), FAW poses a global threat to food security, with potential annual maize losses in Africa estimated at up to 17,7 million tonnes valued between US$2,5 billion and US$6,2 billion.

Another farmer, Mrs Rejoice Mpala, said she planted maize on a one and a-half-hectare piece of land and feared FAW could wipe out her entire crop.

“Last year’s drought left us with nothing and we were now worried that Fall Armyworm would destroy our crops that are looking very good,” said Mrs Mpala.

In recent weeks, farmers and traditional leaders in districts such as Tsholotsho, Umguza, Lupane and Nkayi have reported the pest feeding on tree leaves.

Agricultural and Rural Development Services (ARDAS) acting director for Matabeleland North Province, Mr Thulani Ndlovu, confirmed the presence of the pest.

“We encourage farmers to scout their fields regularly and when they detect the pest they should use chemicals to destroy it.

“Government is providing chemicals but they are not enough to cover all farmers,” he said.
FAW was first reported in Zimbabwe during the 2016/2017 cropping season, following an El Nino-induced drought.