14 Jan 2013

The African army worm, which destroys both crops and range, has been sighted in Mahupu and Mmanotshe lands near Letlhakeng.

Letlhakeng Sub-district agricultural officer, Mr Lucas Kgosiemang confirmed that the area was badly affected by the worm.

 Mr Kgosiemang said farmers in the area started reporting the presence of the worm to agricultural demonstrators on Monday. He said when they visited the farms, they realised that the damage was extensive.

Mr Kgosiemang said they were handicapped by the lack of resources to fight the worm and prevent it from spreading to other areas.

 One of the farmers from Mmanotshe lands near Ditshegwane, Ms Gootsamang Ramonnanyana said the worm had caused extensive damage to her crops especially maize.

She said the damage was exacerbated by the fact that she noted the presence of the worms in her field late. “The worm can cause damage to a huge area within a few days because it feeds day and night. I have been ploughing in this area for many years, but I have never seen this pest before. Maybe that is why I took a long time to identify it,” she said.

 She said she had already reported the invasion to agricultural demonstrators who had promised to assist her.

Another farmer, Mr Cebo Mpofu of Mahupu lands said his one hectare field was attacked by the worm last week.

 “I reported to the agricultural officers and they sprayed my farm within three days. Since they sprayed, the worm has been reduced drastically. I only take solace in the fact that the pest was eliminated quickly, and I am still hopeful that I will salvage something from the field,” he said. ENDS