Bolgatanga, July 6, GNA - The government has provided an initial 2000 litres of chemicals, some protective clothing and logistics valued at 30 million cedis to help check the spread of army worms in the Upper East Region.

Other items under the package include 120 pairs of Wellington boots, 200 respirators, 200 pairs of goggles, 60 plastic buckets, 30 knapsacks sprayers, 10 bails of used clothing and monetary incentives to motivate volunteers who would be engaged in spraying the pest.

According to the regional directorate of Ministry of Food and Agriculture, it would require additional 1,200 litres of chemicals, respirators, hand gloves, goggles and sprayers to contain the invasion. About 130,000 hectares of cereals in all the six districts of the region have been invaded.

An official of the Ministry, Mr Roy Ayariga, said that the 2000 litres of chemicals would be enough for only 2000 acres of crops under cultivation since one litre would cater for one acre.

He said an additional 3,000 litres of an insecticide called "karate 0.8 ULV", which when diluted with water can be used to spray more hectares of farms Mr Ayariga explained that the chemicals that have been provided, "Sumiudin" and "Cyhalotrin" could not be diluted and said they would not sufficient to bring the situation under control.

He acknowledged that the chemicals are the best in responding to the threat. Mrs Comfort Ofosu-Anim, deputy chief disaster control officer of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), praised the regional and district authorities for the seriousness they have attached to the worm invasion.

She gave the assurance that government through NADMO and the Ministry is monitoring the situation adding that efforts have been made to find local and external sources of assistance to bring the situation under control.

The Regional Minister, Alhaji Amidu Sulemana, on behalf of the chiefs and people of the region expressed appreciation to the government for the quick response.

He however stressed the need for a permanent solution to the annual outbreak of pests in the area. Alhaji Sulemana suggested a sub-regional approach with the assistance of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO,) in finding a lasting solution to the menace of pests in the dry parts of West Africa.

The Minister called on the community to change their attitudes towards the environment through the adoption of sound farming practices and agro-forestry.

He charged officials of NADMO, MOFA and the district assemblies to work closely with the forestry department to find practical strategies to deal with the invasion and to encourage tree planting.

Mr Kyei Antwi, of the Plant Protection and Regulatory Services (PPRS), advised the people to apply the chemicals properly to avoid polluting water bodies.

Mr T.A. Anyorikeya, acting regional director of Agriculture, said the chemicals and logistics provided would be quickly distributed to the districts, where staff of the Ministry are on standby to start spraying the worst affected areas.