By Maile Matsimela
Officials of the National Department of Agriculture are continuously conducting a monitoring and evaluation exercise on affected areas to confirm the level of outbreaks and infestation.
The Department said daily report sessions are attended by the officials in collaboration with Provincial Disaster Management officials of the Free State Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environmental Affairs.
“It is vitally important to bring the armyworm outbreak under control as it has the potential to affect food security. Livestock may be at risk if allowed to graze on treated areas and farmers are advised to move such animals away for a brief period,” said the Department.
Approximately 70 known cases have been reported in the Xhariep District (Petrusburg, Jacobsdal, Koffiefontein and Luckhoff) and 13 cases have also been reported in the Lejweleputswa district (Boshoff, Dealesville, Hertzogville and Bothaville).
In the Mangaung Metro, a total of four farmers in Soutpan reported the problem.
Training and awareness sessions were successfully conducted in Petrusburg and Jacobsdal on 26 March with farmers briefed on the background, theory and method of control of African armyworms.
The Department further said support in the form of chemicals (Sumi-Alpha®) and sprayers were provided to 57 affected farmers. Additional chemicals and sprayers have been received and distribution will extend to affected areas in Lejweleputswa and Mangaung.
The Department urges farmers to be on the lookout and constantly conduct scouting for armyworms and to report any outbreaks to relevant officials immediately.
For further information farmers may contact Shadrack Cezula in the Xhariep District on 081 038 6504, Thabiso Letsoara in the Leweleputswa District on 066 220 1167, and George Madiba Mangaung Metro Municipality on 064 063 6194.
