Army Worms Wreak Havoc On Matebeleland farmers & Other Provinces Of The Country Zimbabwe

The Post Reporter.

Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector is facing a daunting challenge as the African army worm continues to wreak havoc on maize fields across the country. Despite the good rains that had raised hopes for a successful harvest, the pest has invaded fields, caused significant damage and left farmers worried about their livelihoods, the reports

In Bulawayo, the second-largest city in Zimbabwe, farmers are also grappling with the effects of the army worms. The pest has affected several districts in Matabeleland North and South, including Bulawayo’s surrounding rural areas. The once-thriving fields of maize, which had promised a bumper harvest, now stand damaged, with the army worms leaving behind a trail of destruction.

The fall army worm infestation is rapidly spreading to other regions and provinces, with reports flooding in from various Agricultural Extension (AGRITEX) officers across the country.

Erratic rainfall had left many farmers on edge, but a shift in the weather pattern brought a glimmer of hope. However, this optimism was short-lived, as the arrival of the African army worm – which tends to thrive in years with above-average rainfall – brought despair and uncertainty to the agricultural community.

“I had planted a large field of maize, hoping to harvest a good crop,” said one farmer from Esigodini, a rural area just outside Bulawayo. “But the army worms came and destroyed everything. I’m not sure how I’ll recover from this loss, said Nomthandazo Nyoni”

Another farmer, Temba Gumbo, from Matobo a district in Matabeleland South, shared a similar story. “We had been expecting a good harvest, but the army worms have ruined everything. We need help to control the pest and save our crops.”

To address the issue, the government and agricultural experts have been working with farmers in Bulawayo and surrounding areas to provide guidance on pest management and control. Teams of extension officers have been dispatched to affected areas, providing farmers with pesticides and advice on how to use them effectively.

In response to the crisis, the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development has dispatched teams to affected areas, armed with pesticides to control the outbreak.

However, more needs to be done to support farmers and ensure a successful harvest. The government has been urged to provide more resources to help farmers control the army worms and recover from the damage. Farmers have also been advised to adopt integrated pest management techniques, which involve using a combination of methods to control the pest.

As the situation continues to unfold, farmers in Bulawayo and surrounding areas remain hopeful that they will receive the support they need to overcome the challenges posed by the African army worm. The success of the harvest is crucial not only for the farmers but also for the country’s food security and economy.