Ministry declares 'agric state of emergency'

Europa

May 8, 2017 9:28 AM

The “fall army worm” is said to have so far invaded farms in the Ashanti, Brong Ahafo, and Eastern regions.

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The Agricultural Ministry wants parliament to declare an 'agricultural state of emergency' following an army worm invasion on several farms across the country.

In a memo to Cabinet, the Agric minister, Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto said he wants parliament to allow the allocation of funds to buy chemicals for free distribution to farmers to deal with the pests.

It has also destroyed over 500 acres of maize farms in 13 districts the Ashanti region.

The pests attack leaves of crops, flowers and even the stalk.

They feed on several crops including -staple food source - maize, cotton, soya bean, potato and the cash crop - cocoa.

The attack comes at a time that government has launched a GHC560m Planting for Food and Jobs Program.

The project is expected to improve food production through the supply of improved seedlings and fertiliser at subsidized prices and also provide extension services.

The project is also expected to provide over 700,000 jobs.

There are now fears that the armyworm invasion may put the project at risk.

Meanwhile, the ministry’s Crop Pest and Management Division has sent extension agents to advise farmers on what to do when they suspect an invasion.

Europa