Zebilla (Upper East), 2nd July 99 -

The Upper East Regional directorate of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) has confirmed that an estimated 129,897 hectares of maize, rice, sorghum and early millet in the region are under threat of devastation by armyworms.

The figure represents 50 per cent of the total number of hectares of the specified crops cultivated in the region this year, and could rise if immediate measures are not taken to control the spread of the worms.

Dr T.A. Anyorikeya, acting regional director of agriculture said this at Zebilla in the Bawku west district, when briefing the regional Minister, Alhaji Amidu Sulemana on the threat.

He said the pests, which were first detected on June 27, in some parts of Bawku east, Bawku west and Kassena-Nankana, have now spread to all the six districts of the region.

Dr Anyorikeya said his outfit has requested for more chemicals and spraying equipment from Accra, since what is available in the region can not contain the spread of the worms.

Alhaji Sulemana who visited some parts of the Bawku West district to assess the situation called for immediate support to enable the regional authorities to fight the fast spreading worms.

"The very survival of the people is under threat because of the wide area covered by the worms, and more so because early millet, which serves as hunger break, is being consumed by the worms".

The Regional Minister gave the assurance that necessary measures would be taken to mobilise the needed logistics to help personnel of MOFA and the people of the affected communities to control the situation.

He urged the people to rise up to their responsibilities and help to seriously address the level of environmental degradation in the area.

Alhaji Sulemana commended personnel of MOFA for initiating measures to help the affected communities to fight the worms, but called for the judicious use of the available resources.

According to officials of MOFA, the worms are common in dry climatic conditions, like those prevailing in the Northern, Upper east and Upper west regions.

The worms have a life span of about two weeks and can cause considerable havoc.

GRi?/