‘Be vigilant’

Farmers have been admonished to stay vigilant as recent rains have been projected to provide favourable breeding conditions for pests like the African armyworm. The Zimbabwean government, through the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Prof. Obert Jiri has issued the warning to farmers regarding the potential threats of African armyworm and fall armyworm pests to their harvest.

In light of the rains received countrywide, farmers have been called upon to scout their crops three times a day to mitigate potential losses. The Provincial Director of Mashonaland West Agricultural Advisory and Rural Development Services (AARDS), Ms. Evelyn Ndoro emphasised the importance of immediate action if any invasion is detected. Both African armyworm and fall armyworm can cause substantial crop damage, impacting up to 70 per cent of the invaded crops. Timely scouting is crucial to deploy chemical interventions and manage the pests before they spread.

Considering the migratory nature of pests, there is a looming concern about the potential spread of these worms to other parts of Africa, including Nigeria. To address this, collaborative efforts between affected countries are essential. Enhanced surveillance and information-sharing mechanisms should be established to detect and manage potential outbreaks promptly. Additionally, investment in research for sustainable and environmentally friendly pest management strategies can contribute to long-term solutions. Early detection, regional cooperation, and proactive measures are imperative to safeguard agricultural productivity in the face of these threats.