Zambia: The Ministry of Agriculture in Monze has rolled out a sensitization training program for farmers in the District. The organization wants to sensitize the farmers of the district on ways of containing the spread of Army Worms in their fields.
The army worm infestation has been a cause of concern for the farmers of the various districts of the country. The administrations of these districts, as well as the Ministry of Agriculture, are organizing training for the farmers.
Monze District Agriculture Coordinate, Justine Ngosa, says the Ministry has already trained the Camp Extension Officers. These officers are further scheduled to go into the field to sensitize other farmers of the district.
Through the initiative, the farmers affected by the infestation of armyworms can protect their crops against the organisms.
Monze District Agriculture Coordinate informed that the scope of the training includes basic skills of identifying and controlling pests. The people of the district have extended their appreciation to the authorities for taking various steps for their benefit.
Justine Ngosa states that the Ministry is promoting an integrated Pest Management Technique. The initiative aims at slowly moving away from overreliance on chemical control of pests in agriculture.
Meanwhile, Matron Milimo, an Agriculture Camp Extension Officer from Chisekesi, confirmed that they are undergoing training. The administration is teaching them about the various in ways of countering Army Worms.
Some of these methods use local herbs, Like Neem trees, locally called “kapulanga”, chilly, as well as ash.
The Camp Extention officer further stated that such techniques, when shared with farmers, will help them save funds as well as protect both humans and the environment from effects that may arise from prolonged use of chemicals in controlling pests.
Milimo notes that 37 households in her camp have been affected by Army Worms, with an infestation rate of 24%.
The administration is looking for ways to combat the infestation and bring long-term relief to the farming families in the community.