Govt buys pesticides to fight Army worms

January 9, 2020January 9, 202016By Reuben ChombaGovernment has procured 83 thousand litres of chemicals to eradicate the spread of Armyworms across the country.Agriculture Minister Michael Katambo has told ZNBC News that the chemicals are ready for distribution.Mr. Katambo says agricultural coordinators have been instructed to ensure that required chemicals are distributed to all the districts in readiness for any potential Armyworms attack.He says although the ministry expects the number of reported cases to increase between now and the time of harvest, government has put in place measures to ensure that the situation does not escalate into a national disaster.Mr. Katambo is confident that the army worm outbreak will be contained given the support that government has been receiving from key stakeholders in the sector.The minister has since called on farmers to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases of army worms to the nearest Agriculture extension officers for action.He urged Provincial Agriculture Coordinators to closely monitor the use of Chemicals in their jurisdictions.Mr. Katambo warned of serious punishment to agriculture officers who will misuse the chemicals.Meanwhile Chief Zingalume of the Chewa people in Chadiza has advised farmers in the district to report cases of fall army worms.Chief Zingalume said a number of fields have been invaded by the pests saying farmers should quickly access pesticides that government has already dispatched to the district.The traditional leader told ZANIS that Chadiza received adequate inputs in good time. Post Views: 16
News Source: ZNBC