African armyworms are spreading rapidly in the Free State, with 31 cases reported in just two days. The MEC of agriculture, rural development and environmental affairs, Elsabé Rockman, said they have called on the national government to assist with pesticides to curb the spread.
“We were informed with the outbreak of the armyworm. It was not our officials who came forth, but it was the farmers themselves who came forth, who alerted us that there is a crisis. Yesterday, it had spread to various municipalities,” said Rockman.
“We must aggressively start to spray pesticides. Some farmers in Bloemfontein have come forth wanting to assist because they understand the potential threat, and the sooner we get a handle on this, take control and have the situation under control, the better for all of us.”
Remove livestock from affected pastures
According to the department, African armyworms are notorious for covering large areas of grass, pasture, and small maize or sorghum fields in dense swarms, potentially causing severe damage to crops.
“Over the past two days, 31 cases have been reported within the Letsemeng local municipality, affecting areas including Jacobsdal, Luckhoff, Koffiefontein, Petrusburg, Perdeberg, and Emmaus. The infestation is reportedly spreading towards Boshof in the Tokologo local municipality. The root cause of the outbreak remains unknown.
“Livestock owners are urged to remove animals from the affected pastures as soon as armyworms are detected and must urgently inform the state veterinarian or the local animal health technician,” the agriculture department said in a statement.
The department said veterinary services have emphasised the importance of following proper pesticide guidelines.
“Farmers must read the packet insert that comes with the pesticides, as it will guide them on how long animals must be kept away from the camp that was treated.”
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A regional threat
A team of agricultural experts from Lesotho’s ministry of agriculture, food security, and nutrition is working tirelessly to contain the spread of African armyworm in Mohale’s Hoek and Mafeteng, minister Thabo Mofosi has confirmed.
Mofosi raised an alarm over the severity of the outbreak, warning that it poses a direct threat to the country’s food security. He revealed that the armyworm infestation has primarily affected several areas in Mohale’s Hoek, including Liphiring, Makhaleng, and Taung, as well as parts of the Mafeteng district.
The ministry’s spokesperson, Lereko Masupha, highlighted the gravity of the situation, stating, “Many villages in these districts have been impacted. While the outbreak has been reported in Mohale’s Hoek and Mafeteng only, we anticipate more reports from other regions soon.”
For further information, affected farmers should contact:
- Xhariep District – Shadrack Cezula at 081 038 6504
- Lejweleputswa District – Thabiso Letsoara at 066 220 1167
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