Tamale (Northern Region) 7TH July '99

The Ministry of Food and Agriculture has supplied 50 cartons or about 500 litres of insecticides in an initial response to combat the invasion of army worms in the Northern region.

The insecticides, which can treat about 1000 hectares of farms, are being distributed to the affected districts of Yendi, East Mamprusi, West Mamprusi, Nanumba, Tolon-Kumbungu, Gushegu-Karaga and Zabzugu-Tatale where the worms have been detected.

Mr J.K. Wumnayi, Regional Director of Agriculture made this known at a press conference jointly held by MOFA and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) to throw light on measures being taken to control the worms.

He said the region is expecting a consignment of 6,600 litres of insecticides and spraying kits comprising 150 hand sprayers, 150 hand gloves, 1000 face masks, 15 sets of first aid kits and 2,500 litres of fuel which can bring the situation under control in less than a week.

Mr Wumnaya said a four-member fact finding task force dispatched to the affected districts found that apart from Gushegu-Karaga district where damage is extensive, the spread of the worms is under control in the other districts.

He called on agro industries in the region to assist MOFA with logistics like hand sprayers and hand gloves to help.

The worms are said to have destroyed about 2000 hectares of farms and in some cases farmers will have to replant their crops.