The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform says 10 hectares of crops in the Zambezi Region have been destroyed due to the presence of African Migratory Red Locusts in various parts of the region.
According to the Agriculture, Water and Land Reform Executive Director, Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata, the particularly affected areas include Lake Liambezi and old Masokotwani, where maize crops have fallen victim to the voracious pests.
“Furthermore, farmers in the surrounding areas such as Kapani, Old Masokotwani, Kanono, Linyanti, Nakabolelwa, Masikili, Ngoma, Isuswa, Ioma, Mutikitila, Ibbu, Mahundu, Ngala, Kapani, Chinchimani, Linyanti, Singobeka, Maunga, Sangwali, and Oshikunde Village in Ohangwena Region, are urged to be on the lookout and report any notable locust sightings to the Ministry or Constituency offices,” she said.
She further explained that locusts pose a serious threat to crops in general, river field crops, and livestock grazing areas, and in response to the crisis, the Ministry has deployed extension officials to intensify surveillance and assess the situation.
“As a result, the Ministry has deployed extension officials to intensify surveillance, monitor, and assess the situation, and they are advised to commence ground spraying in the affected areas. The Ministry will continue assessing the situation to advance the required interventions to curb the further spread of the locusts,” she said.
Nghituwamata also urged farmers to cooperate with Ministry officials during spraying campaigns and report any locust sightings to Agricultural Development Centres and Constituency offices.
