Govt urges farmers to be wary of armyworm

Nyasha Motsi

Herald Correspondent

THE Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development (MLAFWRD) has advised farmers to be vigilant over a potential outbreak of African armyworm, which has been reported in some parts of the country.
The African armyworm, which originates from Zambia, Uganda or Tanzania and is carried by strong winds from one area to another, has in recent seasons posed a big challenge to farmers in Zimbabwe too.
The Ministry revealed that there had been reports on the presence of the pest from Mashonaland East’s (Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe (UMP) and Murewa districts) and Mashonaland Central province’s Shamva district.
It went on to reveal that chemicals and sprayers had already been availed and control measures were in progress.
“Maize, sorghum and pastures are among the affected plants and an assessment of the areas affected is in progress.
“Once the armyworm invades a new territory, it is difficult to eradicate it or reduce its spreading. It is now a global challenge,” said the Ministry.
The Ministry urged farmers to do regular scouting in their crops to check for the presence of the pest so that they take remedial action once its presence is confirmed to avoid possible losses.
The army-worm travel in multitudes and cover long distances during the night. They can cross national boundaries within a short period of time and are driven by winds.
Experts note that the armyworm follows humid areas and lays eggs at a very fast rate. A female can lay up to 800 eggs within five weeks.
The armyworm can wipe out the whole crop during the night if not controlled on time, as it has a monster appetite for foliage.
Young armyworms are small making it very difficult to spot them. The best time to check for the pest is in the morning or evening.
 Additionally, the Ministry also took the opportunity to advise farmers that the maize planting window had expired, hence the need to expedite the planting of short-season varieties of sugar beans, sweet potatoes, African peas, and traditional grains, as the possible options.
Farmers are also encouraged to diversify crop options and practise staggered planting, as a way of spreading risk and reduce losses.

Meanwhile, the Department of Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS) has since indicated that teams from the Migratory Pest Control department were already on the ground to attend to the distress call.