By CHRISTINE MWALE –
SENGA Hill District has recorded an outbreak of Fall Armyworms in 15 Agricultural camps.
Senga Hill Crop Husbandry Officer Judith Lombe said so far 928 households had been affected in the district representing an affected hectarage of 255.3.
“I can confirm that we have recorded an outbreak of Fall Armyworms that has so far affected 15 agricultural camps. The affected household in each camp are Mwiluzi with 35, Nondo 49, Moses 45, Maule 200, Chindo 25, Tanzuka 56, Kavumbo 27, Kapufi 25, Nsokolo 17, Chozi 39, Mpande 29, Mambwe Mission 59, with Sikalembe and Vyula recording 310 and 87 respectively,” Ms Lombe said.
Acting District Agriculture Co-ordinator Aaron Sinkamba said his office had engaged relevant authorities to mitigate the outbreak so that the pests does not spread further.
Mr Sinkamba explained that the district had engaged the Ministry of Agriculture to address the issue before the pests spread further as they leave a devastating effect if left untreated.
He added that the district had introduced a sensitisation programme to educate farmers on how to quickly identify fall armyworms.
“In addressing this challenge, we have come up with a sensitisation programme where farmers are being educated on how to quickly identify the infested crops. We are also encouraging them to quickly report
Fall Armyworms are a polyphagous insects that feed mainly on maize and other crops including wheat, sorghum, millet, vegetable crops among others. They are a global threat to food security, impacting food production and the rural livelihoods of millions – NAIS