25 Aug 2013

Some farmers in the North East District have complained that they should have been consulted first about the outbreak of the Asian Fruit Fly instead of hearing the announcement over the radio.  

They said as the affected parties, they could have been informed on precautionary measures, particularly that samples were taken from their fields. 

In an interview, one farmer in Ditladi, Mr Synai Masikara said the announcement came as a surprise because when the agricultural demonstrators took samples, they thought the results would be shared with them.

Mr Masikara said they only got the agricultural demonstrators’ advice on preventative measures after the announcement of the outbreak. 

He said his farm was attacked but it was minimal as agricultural demonstrators assisted him and he managed to sell his oranges.

Another farmer, Mr Rodgers Ngwenya of Botlhaba Garden in Jackalas 2 said as an affected farmer, he has not received any assistance from the department of crop production. 

He said his sales had gone down because he is restricted to sell in the district only. 

He also noted that they would have to wait for the three months surveillance period. 

For his part, the regional coordinator for crop production in the North East District, Mr Alfred Mashungwa, said they would soon hold a meeting with the director which would also be attended by the affected farmers. 

About seven farms in the district have been placed under quarantine. 

The Asian Fruit Fly attacks tomatoes, citrus, cucumber, mango, cashew nuts, papaya, guava, green pepper, water melons, squash, pumpkin, butternuts, bananas, avocado and several wild host plants including morula and wild monkey orange.  ENDS