The Sunday Mail
GOVERNMENT has released pesticides to at least seven provinces that are under an armyworm attack with agricultural experts on the ground to monitor the situation and advise farmers on precautionary measures against the pest.
All farming provinces, except Masvingo, are currently under an armyworm attack.
Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development (Responsible for Crop Production) Deputy Minister Davis Marapira told The Sunday Mail last week that pesticides had been dispatched to the affected provinces.
“We are on high alert as far as limiting the armyworm from further spreading is concerned. We have dispatched Carbaryl 85 Wettable Powder to all provinces to deal with the situation,” he said.
“Furthermore, we have agriculture extension officers scouting the respective areas.
“The ministry has also sent teams of researchers to the affected provinces.
“Farmers should also monitor the situation in their respective fields in the morning and evening to check the presence of the armyworm and report to agritex officers any suspected pest related activity on their crops.”
The armyworm attacks the leaves and stalks of maize, sorghum, millet, wheat, barley and pastures, leaving a trail of destruction. The pest is capable of causing extensive damage and multiplying within a short period of time.
Attacks usually happen during dry intervals in the rainy season.
