Africa-Press – Namibia. THE Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform has warned farmers to be on alert for possible infestations of perstans worms during the rainy season.
The ministry further urged farmers to do regular crop monitoring to ensure pest-free crops.
Ministry spokesperson Jona Musheko said the wet/rainy season usually creates favourable conditions for many insects to feed on crops and grazing pasture.
Musheko said farmers who find themselves in situations where their crops are attacked by pests and worms should immediately notify the ministry’s extension offices countrywide for advice on the necessary actions to be taken.
“Our officers’ numbers are all over. If one is unable to get them, please make use of the councillor’s office. You will get assistance,” Musheko said.
He said many farmers do not inspect their crops regularly to detect whether there are pests and diseases.
“These worms and pests move with grass and move between different fields. If there is a need to dig trenches, do so. The rainy season comes with so much, so be alert,” he cautioned.
On Monday, a farmer at Omaalala village in the Oshana region, Ileni Nandjato, said he discovered an army of brown worms in the vicinity of his farm, Far-Far Farming, which put his crops and livestock under threat.
However, he said he was immediately assisted by the ministry.
Speaking to The Namibian on Monday, Nandjato said he observed the worms while he was doing a routine inspection.
“The worms were coming from a mopane tree and there were a lot. The only thing I could do at that time was to let the chickens out so they could feed on the worms,” Nandjato said.
He said he was even unsure that the chickens would be able to consume all the worms because they were so many.
“We have maize, tomatoes and spinach. All these crops not spray them because they were ready for consumption,” he said.
Nandjato said the worms feed faster and attack at night because the sand is hot during the day.
“The ministry came to check what was happening and they took samples. They informed us to be vigilant and told us to inform them when we see them coming into contact with the crops,” Nandjato said.
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