Army Worms Hit Phalombe; 172 Hectares Affected
Only days after reports of African army worms attacking maize fields in some districts in the central and northern regions, a total of 172 hectares have been attacked in Phalombe district.
Phalombe District Agriculture Development Officer, David Alli, has told Zodiak Online Friday that currently, distribution of pesticides is underway in the district to stop further spread of the devastating worms.
Ali said all extension workers have adequate pesticides which farmers are receiving to spray maize fields to contain the worms.
"We have adequate pesticides and we are encouraging farmers to collect the pesticides from the EPAs," said Ali.
He said farmers should continue scouting their fields regularly to ensure that the pests are spotted and sprayed.
One farmer from Naminjiwa extension planning area (EPA) in the district, Christopher Matola said as an alternative to pesticides, some farmers are killing the pests using hands.
The infestation of Fall Army Worms (FAW) if left unchecked can be a threat to national food security.
Published in: News In Brief
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