01 May 2017

Conventional techniques of controlling pests are cost effective, reliable and pose no danger to human life when compared to chemical pest control measures, Ms Keimetswe Marutshe, a farmer in Omaweneno has said.

Speaking in a farm walk organized by Tsabong Department of Crop Production , Ms Marutshe said her field is free from pests such as rats ever since she switched to physical and traditional methods of keeping out vermin.  

“ I used to spend exorbitantly on pesticides with the hope that my crops will be safe from the devastating effects of crop bothers. The results were not satisfactory and then I quickly decided to dump the method for a more environmentally friendly and cost cutting physical method,” said Ms Marutshe.

Ms Marutshe said her improvisation is not rocket science and only requires raw materials readily available in the domestic arena.

She noted that preparation involves digging holes in a field, principally on areas that rats and mice cause havoc.

Afterwards, according to Ms Marutshe a 20 litre bucket containing a solution of maize meal is placed inside the holes. Consequently, she said, the rats will be enticed by the meal inside the bucket, leading them to scramble to get inside. Once inside, there will be no way out for the rats.

The veteran farmer implored that ever since adopting the simplistic method, she has managed to trap more than 200 rats.

She stressed that pests such as corn cricket that farmers forever complain about has never been an issue for her.

Furthermore, Ms Marutshe appealed to scientific officers under their watch to give them the freedom to put their own minds to use.

She pointed out that as experienced farmers, their wisdom is equally important as that of  modern scientific officers.

For his part, Tsabong Sub District crop production officer, Mr Suberee Kapeko underscored the need for safe handling of pesticides by farmers as they are deadly to both humans and the environment.

He cited lifelong repercussions such as disability and infertility  as some of major health scares that may come as a result of over indulgence in chemical use.

Mr Kapeko further elucidated that apart from physical and chemical pests control measures, biological method, which essentially involves using animals that are predatory to pests, remains an option.

He pointed out the use of cats to kill rats in the fields amongst others. ENDS