Zimbabwe Warns Farmers of Imminent Armyworm Threat

The Zimbabwean government has issued a stern warning to farmers about an impending outbreak of two destructive armyworm species that could decimate crops across the nation.

Shingirayi Nyamutukwa, acting director at the Migratory Pests Control Department, highlighted the dangers posed by both the African Armyworm and Fall Armyworm.

An early warning system has been set up by the ministry to pinpoint areas at risk, allowing farmers to be proactive in scouting their fields.

Farmers in Gokwe South, Umguza, and Shamva have been specifically advised to check their fields weekly for signs of the African Armyworm, which has been detected in high numbers.

Nyamutukwa stressed the necessity of applying insecticides when infestation levels hit 20%, to curb the spread of these pests.

He pointed out that current weather patterns, with less rain, have led to reduced field monitoring, inadvertently fostering pest proliferation.

The government has stepped up by offering free chemicals for African Armyworm control, with initial supplies already sent to Mashonaland Central and Midlands.

Nyamutukwa emphasized that more chemicals would be distributed based on the early warning system’s data, targeting potential outbreak zones.

He recommended farmers take advantage of the Pfumvudza programme, which includes practices like early planting, mulching, and soil amendment to bolster plant resilience against pests.

Blessing Kufandenganji, a farmer from Murewa, shared her struggles with the armyworm, noting how the pest is compounding the existing challenges posed by erratic weather patterns.

She described how the armyworms are devastating her fields, potentially jeopardizing her family’s sustenance.

The armyworm thrives in the transition from drought to rainy seasons, targeting a wide array of cereal crops and even sugarcane, thus posing a significant threat to food security.

This situation underscores the urgency for farmers to stay vigilant and utilize government support to mitigate the impact of these pests on agriculture.