Lusaka Province Agriculture Coordinator Pascal Chipasha says despite fall armyworms invading over 26,000 hectares of agriculture fields in Lusaka, the Province is recording a good crop performance.
Mr. Chipashsa explained that the infestations of fall armyworms is a common occurrence and that farmers are now able to fight the pests.
The Provincial Agriculture Coordinator said in an interview with ZANIS that 26,258 hectares of crop fields have been invaded by the worms and that 43,908 farmers have been affected.
Mr Chipasha observed that the pests have not caused much damage because the province is currently recording increased rains which has also reduced the infestation of the crop fields.
He stated that officers are currently distributing chemicals that were released by the government and that all the seven districts of the Province have been affected.
Mr Chipasha noted that Chongwe recorded the highest infestation of 6,741 hectares while Chilanga reported 6,228 hectares that were infested by armyworms.
He stated that 4,742 and 3,805 hectares were affected in Chirundu and Lusaka districts respectively.
“3,056 crop fields were affected in Rufunsa while 951 hectares were affected in Kafue district. Luangwa district reported the lowest pest infestation where 735 hectares were affected. He said.
That’s good news but they should deal with those army worms
These are a danger to our national food security
Army worms are so distractive
Why do these creatures attack only our souls and NOT in the western world? Let’s go back to our roots, let’s DIG deeper and understand WHY these insects only appear on our land and only at this time of every year! We have to WAKE up guys, the whole world is changing
Don not kill army worms with chemical. .Chemicals are poisons. They will end up in the soil and next crops. Eating the crops may cause cancer.
This is not good for the farmers
Naliyapata ama armyworms