Farmers Urged To Be Alert To Potential Outbreak oF Armyworms

Samfya, Luapula Government through the Ministry of Agriculture in Samfya District has urged agricultural officers and farmers to remain vigilant against potential outbreak of Fall Armyworms in their respective blocks and camps.

Speaking to the National Agriculture Information Service (NAIS), District Agriculture Coordinator (DACO) Mr. Munshya Musonda said the call comes as the district has received chemicals to help combat the destructive pests.Mr. Musonda clarified that the chemicals are meant to support farmers who are unable to afford them on their own, adding that Fall Armyworm chemicals are not provided under the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP).

The DACO Mr Musonda Munshya Stands in the field used for demonstration on how to apply the chemical. “We have received some chemicals just to beef up support for those farmers who completely cannot afford. Let me make it clear that FISP does not include these chemicals. I therefore urge all farmers and officers to remain alert,” Mr. Musonda said. 

He emphasized that early detection and reporting of Fall Armyworms by farmers is critical to ensuring timely intervention. “The responsibility lies with farmers to report any early signs of the pests so that quick action can be taken,” he added.

Meanwhile, Crop Husbandry Officer Mr. Chibwe Chofwe advised farmers to strictly follow government-approved guidelines when dealing with Fall Armyworms in order to effectively protect their crops. “These pests are very dangerous, especially to maize. It is important that farmers follow approved methods of controlling Fall Armyworms to safeguard their fields,” Mr. Chofwe said.

One of the beneficiaries, farmer Mr. Peter Mwewa, expressed gratitude to government for its continued commitment to food security and adherence to the presidential directive on supporting farmers. “For us as farmers, we say thank you to government. We will not hesitate to inform our field officers in the camps whenever we notice the pests,” Mr. Mwewa said. Fall Armyworms pose a serious threat to crop production, particularly maize, and government has continued to encourage collaboration between farmers and extension officers to mitigate their impact.