Look out for pests, Katambo tips farmers

By SANFROSSA MANYINDA FARMERS should be alert and look out for pest infestation especially army worms and the African migratory locusts, Agriculture Minister Michael Katambo has said. Mr Katambo has also directed staff to interact with farmers frequently and immediately report any cases of army worm attack. This would allow for swift response to the problem, Mr Katambo said at a press briefing in Lusaka yesterday. He disclosed that the ministry had already started receiving isolated reports of army worm attacks. The minister urged all farmers, especially small-scale farmers to be alert and look out for pest infestation especially army worms and the African migratory locusts. “With regard with African migratory locusts, I am happy to report that the locust population in the country has been controlled to below threatening levels.  “We have put in place measures to avoid a buildup of locust population such as the continuous surveillance with ground and aerial spraying when need arise,” Mr Katambo said. He said that there were minimal dangers of locusts building up to threatening levels with such interventions put in place. Mr Katambo also predicted that the country was headed for another bumper harvest if it rains well combined with the unprecedented early distribution of inputs and other interventions put in place.