23 Mar 2020

 The Ministry of Agricultural Development and Food Security has confirmed that African Migratory Locust has hit some areas in Boteti.

The ministry’s public relations officer in the Central District, Mr Clifas Kemiso, said in an interview told the locusts were spotted early this month in Lake Xau, Kedia.

He said the pest, which covered an area of 1 016 hectares at Kedia, was also seen in Moreomato and Khumaga along the river.

Mr Kemiso said the locusts were still at solitaries stage, found only in patches hence the damage not being so significant.

He said crops were not yet affected because the locusts were spotted in grazing areas.

Mr Kemiso said it had potential to wipe out everything once at swarming stage.

“Locust feeds on grass family such as maize and sorghum. It can devour the entire crop, leaving only a small stalk,” Mr Kemiso explained, adding that they were using chemicals e to control it.

He said 16 hectares had already been covered at Kedia and five at Khumaga and that the situation was still under control with hope to contain it.Mr Kemiso stated that communities of the concerned areas were consulted and livestock movement was being controlled. ends