THE Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock has confirmed the outbreak of Army worms in Chongwe, Chisamba and Chibombo districts.
Agriculture and Livestock Permanent Secretary Siazongo Siakalenge who confirmed the development in a statement yesterday said preliminary assessment indicated that the situation was serious and has advised individual farmers to take appropriate action.
Mr Siakalenge, however, said all agricultural officers around Zambia had been alerted and requested to deal with the problem.
"Farmers need to spray with chemicals called Cypermethrin and Malathion whenever they see these worms. Those farmers that do not have chemicals should immediately approach district agricultural coordinators and camp officers for free spraying" Mr Siakalenge said.
He also advised farmers to dig trenches in their paths to stop the spread of the worms as one of the easy control measures.
He advised farmers to report to the nearest agricultural offices for appropriate advice.
Mr Siakalenge disclosed that the ministry had dispatched a team of officers in the field to continuously monitor and assess the situation in order to comprehensively address the situation.
He said starting today, officers would be spraying in the reported affected areas and would in addition, engage International Red Locust to join hands with the ministry to contain the situation country-wide.
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