Gauteng Agriculture on army worm intervention

Early detection and timely communication key to fall army worm intervention

The invasion by the Fall army worm pest currently ravaging crops in some parts of the country requires a coordinated approach by all stakeholders involved.

The Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD) continues to liaise with farmers and the National Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries to ensure a coordinated intervention. Farmers are urged to be vigilant to ensure early detection and enable timeous assistance.

GDARD has already dispatched a crop scientist to verify suspected infestation in the Bronkhospruit area where the worm has affected yellow maize planted on 45-hectares of land.

Suspected pest infestations were also detected in the North and the North East of Pretoria. GDARD experts continue to be on high alert in responding to situations that may affect farmers in the province.

GDARD MEC Lebogang Maile stressed that the spread of the army worms is a potential threat to food security and it negatively impacts on the economic activities of small scale farmers in the province. "Farmers cannot afford any further setbacks following the end of a long rainless season" Maile said.

He urged farmers in Gauteng to contact their nearest regional offices to enable timely interventions by the experts.

The media is seen as a key stakeholder and partner in the dissemination of information that is aimed at tackling the army worm infestations. Updates and developments will be released regularly to alert the media and the farmers.

For more information contact:
Roleta Lebelo
Cell: 082 589 6694

Nozipho Hlabangana
Cell: 078 457 9376