Mites take over sweet pepper farms in Winneba; hectares of farms destroyed

Europa 14:40 - 18 September 2017

The mites invasion comes not long after fall armyworms destroyed large acres of farms across the country.

Sweet pepper farms in the Effutu Municipality in the Central Region have been invaded by mites, destroying about 100 acres of farmlands.

Scores of farmers have been compelled to leave their farms, with others relocating to other farms to replant, the Daily Graphic reports.

The situation is having a toll on their businesses, as they have lost their investments, some of the farmers indicated.

The Effutu Municipal Director of the Department of Agriculture, Mr Hope Kumah, said the unavailability of a miticide, particularly mektin, in the country is making it difficult to control the mites.

Meanwhile, samples of the plants have been taken to the University of Cape Coast (UCC) for an investigation to find out more about the infestation.

In the meantime, Mr Kumah said his outfit would continue to offer technical advice to the farmers to ensure that their farms are protected from any further destruction.