Farmers of Wakapao, Curimaru, Myrie and Yarrashirima, Region Two, whose cassava farms were affected by caterpillar infestation, are breathing a sigh of relief, as the situation is now under control. An assessment which was carried out by the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), revealed that over 200 acres of cassava farms were infested.
Speaking with the Government Information Agency (GINA), Dr. Oudho Homenauth, Chief Executive Officer of NAREI said, “As far as I know, the situation is under control.”
Dr Homenauth explained that, “we have provided the chemicals and executed the programme.”
On May 4, Extension Officers operating in Region Two were informed about the infestation in the communities. NAREI immediately provided the needed chemicals, which are best-tac, fast-tac, or alpha-cypermethrin to combat the situation. These chemicals are not available on the local market.
The Extension Officers are also conducting informal training sessions to educate farmers about the safe and effective use of the chemicals for optimal results. NAREI is also working closely with the Toshaos and Village Councils to ensure all affected farms are treated.
NAREI is advising farmers to be on the alert and report any irregularities or suspicion of possible infestation, and to report these immediately to the Extension Officer closest to them.
