NORTH WESTERN PROVINCE RECORDS INFESTATION OF ARMY WORMS

North Western province has recorded a significant outbreak of Army worms that has impacted 53,998 households across various districts, covering an area of 50,974 hectares with an overall infestation rate of 15.4%.

In a statement, North Western province Principal Public Relations Officer Gloria Kinkolenge says the infestation has been monitored through the province’s 325 agricultural camps of which 300 camps have been affected.

Ms. Kinkolenge says the most affected areas are Kasempa with 12,574 households, covering an area of 16,671.75 hectares, followed by Zambezi with 8,942 households, covering 6,158.5 hectares.

Mwinilunga has 4,446 households, covering an area of 18,225.35 hectares, while Mushindamo has 6,760 households, covering an area of 6,427.75 hectares.

CShe says Chavuma has 3,480 households, covering an area of 975 hectares, and Solwezi has 3,484 households, covering an area of 12,624 hectares.

She says Manyinga has 3,856 households, covering an area of 1,185.16 hectares, and Mufumbwe has 1,887 households, covering an area of 387 hectares.

Ms. Kinkolenge says Kalumbila has 3,420 households (16% infestation), and Ikelenge, Kabompo have specific household and hectare figures detailed in the provincial update.

In response to the outbreak, the province has received 10,000 litres of pesticides comprising Lambda and Cypermethrine , which we have already started distributing to the districts.

" We are therefore calling upon farmers to ensure that they collect their pesticides from their respective districts through the extension officers." She says

She says"Additionally, 220 knapsack sprayers have been supplied to facilitate effective application of the pesticides in the affected districts. Pesticides and sprayers will be allocated to the districtsbased on the severity of infestation and the number of affected households, prioritizing areas with the highest hectare impact and infestation percentages to protect crops and ensure food security."

"We urge our farmers and agricultural stakeholders in Northwestern Province to cooperate with local agricultural extension officers for timely access to the pesticides and sprayers, and to implement integrated pest management practices to mitigate further damage from the Fall Army Worm and safeguard the upcoming harvest season".

Ms. Kinkolenge has advised all the farmers to report any suspected cases of infestation to our agricultural extension officers and utilize their expertise in managing the Fall Army Worm. 

ES