Relief for Mbire farmers as African armyworm attac...

Relief for Mbire farmers as African armyworm attack is subdued

Zim Now Writer

The Department of Migratory Pests and Biosecurity Control has reported that the African armyworm, which saw at least 26 hectares of sorghum, maize and pastures being destroyed in Mbire District of Mashonaland Central Province recently, is under control.

The department added that there were adequate chemicals to fight the pests, adding that they were monitoring areas such as Chisumbanje, Mutare, Bikita and Beatrice where some moths were recorded.

Director for Migratory Pests and Biosecurity Control, Shingirayi Nyamutukwa said 422 households in Mbire have so far received chemicals to control the pests.

“We assure farmers that so far, we have managed to control the situation of African armyworm. Extension workers are also working with farmers to monitor the situation.

“In terms of chemicals we have them in stock. So far Beatrice has recorded the highest number of moths, but we are on the ground monitoring the situation,” said Nyamutukwa.

The department last week also warned that moth catches continued to be recorded in Mashonaland West Province and there is high possibility of more African armyworm outbreaks occurring in other parts of the country.

The African armyworm breeds rapidly breeds in wet conditions and the pest occasionally breaks out in Zimbabwe, attacking cereals such as maize, sorghum and millet.

The caterpillars move in large numbers causing losses of up to 100 percent. They originated in Zambia, Uganda and Tanzania, and are carried from one area to the other by strong winds and the migratory moths travel in multitudes, covering long distances during the night.