Crop-munching pests outbreak major threat to Malawi’s food security
Hard times await farmers in Malawi following the outbreak of crop-munching fall armyworms in some districts across the country, a statement from the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development has confirmed.
The Principle Secretary in the Ministry, Grey Nyandule Phiri said the outbreak is due to the current weather pattern the country is experiencing.
According to Nyandule, the destructive armyworms attack plants (in green family) such as Maize, Sorghum, Millet and Rice.
“Most parts of the country are experiencing weather conditions characterized by several rainy days followed by sunny days. This type of weather coupled with availability of green grass is very conducive to the growth and development of armyworms,” said Nyandule in a statement.
The Ministry then appealed farmers to frequently inspect their fields and report any suspected armyworms outbreak to relevant authorities for quick action.
“Report armyworm outbreaks or any suspected worms to the nearest Agricultural Office or Extension Workers.
“The Officers will provide advice on how to manage the pests and pesticides for the control of these armyworms,” said Nyandule adding that pesticides from the above mentioned offices are free of charge.
Fall Armyworms have been damaging crops in Malawi and some countries in the Southern Africa such as Zimbabwe, Zambia and Namibia since 2017.
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Come on where is Malawi do we have this outbreak please
Even in my garden I do have them in Mzuzu
What kind of passive reaction is that from the ministry? So you admit there is potential disaster to our harvest but you can’t outline any proactive step to curb this but wait for people to report to ‘authorities’ something you already know is here? Of course if they see the worms in their fields it means damage is already occurring. What about more active action Mr Nyaude eg deploying teams to visit areas, teach farmers and/or active interventions before the damage? Lets be serious for once please.