Tanzania: armyworms destroy more than 1,700 hectares of coffee

Armyworms have destroyed more than 1,700 hectares of coffee in Mbinga District, Ruvuma Region.

The Mbinga District agricultural officer, Mr Bernard Semwaiko, told The Citizen over the phone yesterday that the worms affected 14 out of 25 wards, which cultivate the crop in the district.

He said that despite efforts already taken to contain the situation, the worms have continued to spread and affect a large area. "So far the insects have destroyed 1,743 hectares of coffee," he said, adding: "We have been using pesticides such as Selecron 720 EC, which has been suggested by coffee experts but its application should be closely monitored as it needs a precise amount for a dosage."

However, he said many farmers have not been able to afford the pesticide because it is very expensive, while others reported the ineffectiveness of pesticide to control the spread of the worms.

Mr Semwaiko said experts from the Coffee Research Institute and Agriculture Department have been educating farmers on how to use the right pesticide dosage to destroy the pests. "The district council, in collaboration with other stakeholders, are conducting the campaign and until now some Sh54 million has been spent for the exercise," he added.

He said the money was issued by the council for the purchase of pesticides and spray pumps, which have been used in affected areas. He said farmers have been asked to refund the money after selling their produce.

For his part, the district executive director, Mr Shaibu Nnunduma, said in the 2009/10 season, the council issued Sh54 million while the government donated Sh100 million to control the pests.