Despite farmers’ efforts to keep autumn armyworms at bay in their crops, the insects proliferate.
Farmers in three areas of the Upper East Region are facing severe losses as fall armyworms overrun their farmlands.
Due to the rapid spread of these insects, farmers are battling to limit the infestation and are seeking assistance from relevant stakeholders to battle the threat.
Despite farmers’ efforts to restrict the development of autumn armyworms in their crops, the insects continue to increase, prompting widespread alarm and discontent among farmers.
“I don’t know what to do anymore; I tried to separate my crops, but the armyworms are still there,” one afflicted farmer bemoaned. “What should I do now?”
Fall armyworm infestations are not a new problem for farmers in the Upper East Region.
Farmers and agriculture industry stakeholders have been looking for appropriate pest control strategies and pesticides since 2017. However, autumn armyworm infections have increased this farming season in three districts: Builsa South, Nabdam, and Kassena Nankana Municipal.
In response to the problem, Alhaji Zachariah Fuseini, the Upper East Regional Director of Agriculture, has told affected districts and farmers that the agency is ready to support them in their fight against armyworms.
He said that the government had given the office pesticides to help farmers tackle the insects. Furthermore, agricultural authorities are actively instructing farmers on how to utilize the pesticides to successfully separate their farmlands and eliminate pests.
Mr Fuseini stressed that the chemicals offered are free of charge because the government purchased them to help Ghanaian farmers.
He sternly warned against any attempts by extension officers or others to sell the chemicals, stating that such actions would lead to arrest for violating the directives of the agric department.
The regional director assured farmers that the department is well-prepared to tackle the fall armyworm menace. He disclosed that comprehensive plans have been put in place, with adequate material chemicals and human resources ready to combat any detected armyworm outbreaks.
With the support and cooperation of relevant stakeholders, the Upper East Region aims to overcome the fall armyworm infestation, safeguarding agricultural livelihoods and food security in the affected districts.
