AS FALL armyworm infestations continue to threaten agricultural productivity in various parts of our country, it is imperative for all stakeholders to join forces in the fight against this destructive pest.
While our Government has been leading efforts to address the fall armyworm challenge, it is equally crucial for local businesses to step up and complement these efforts.
Local businesses have the potential to significantly impact the battle against fall armyworms by providing essential support to farmers in affected areas.
We commend Bwana Mkubwa Member of Parliament Warren Mwambazi for calling on business entities in Ndola to quickly help farmers with chemicals to fight the fall armyworms before crops are destroyed.
The early distribution of inputs by the Government and the good rainfall pattern that the country is presently experiencing have set the stage for a bumper harvest in the current farming season.
It is therefore important that we do the best we can as a country to keep the prospect of a bumper harvest alive.
The fall armyworms infestation poses a serious threat to the country’s national food security, and taking action against it should not be left in the hands of any single entity. Addressing the threat it poses requires collaborative effort from all stakeholders.
Last year, Government distributed large volumes of chemicals to farmers to contain the armyworms. This time they have deployed extension officers to educate farmers on how to fight the fall armyworms in all affected areas. In Western Province alone, Government released K1.5 million to train extension officers, who have now been deployed to all 273 farming camps in the region to educate farmers on how to deal with the fall armyworm.
But as Mr Mwambazi observed, Government cannot do everything on its own as it has huge responsibilities.
We, therefore, call on other members of parliament around the country whose areas are affected by the armyworms to mobilise local businesses to help provide farmers with the chemicals required to contain the infestation. We also call on them to use their constituency offices to mobilise financial and other resources needed in the fight against the armyworms.
We also commend Mulberry Development Limited for coming through for farmers with chemicals and sprayers to help them combat the invasive moth in Bwana Mkubwa constituency.
It is good that the company has pledged to continue working with Government to help communities as this is an effective way of giving back to the community.
The company is being a good example of how local businesses can help Government address national challenges in their own small ways.
By leveraging their networks and partnerships, local businesses can ensure that farmers have access to quality pesticides, biocontrol agents, and other pest management products.
This support is particularly critical for smallholder farmers who may struggle to afford these essential inputs on their own.
As we call on local businesses to support government efforts, we want to emphasise that it is important for them to seek collaboration with other stakeholders, including government agencies, international organisations, and agricultural extension services. By so doing, local businesses can create synergies and ensure a holistic approach to combating threats such as the fall armyworm infestations..
Join hands in fight against armyworms
AS FALL armyworm infestations continue to threaten agricultural productivity in various parts of our country, it is imperative for all stakeholders to join forces in the fight against this destructive pest.
While our Government has been leading efforts to address the fall armyworm challenge, it is equally crucial for local businesses to step up and complement these efforts.
Local businesses have the potential to significantly impact the battle against fall armyworms by providing essential support to farmers in affected areas.
We commend Bwana Mkubwa Member of Parliament Warren Mwambazi for calling on business entities in Ndola to quickly help farmers with chemicals to fight the fall armyworms before crops are destroyed.
The early distribution of inputs by the Government and the good rainfall pattern that the country is presently experiencing have set the stage for a bumper harvest in the current farming season.
It is therefore important that we do the best we can as a country to keep the prospect of a bumper harvest alive.
The fall armyworms infestation poses a serious threat to the country’s national food security, and taking action against it should not be left in the hands of any single entity. Addressing the threat it poses requires collaborative effort from all stakeholders.
Last year, Government distributed large volumes of chemicals to farmers to contain the armyworms. This time they have deployed extension officers to educate farmers on how to fight the fall armyworms in all affected areas. In Western Province alone, Government released K1.5 million to train extension officers, who have now been deployed to all 273 farming camps in the region to educate farmers on how to deal with the fall armyworm.
But as Mr Mwambazi observed, Government cannot do everything on its own as it has huge responsibilities.
We, therefore, call on other members of parliament around the country whose areas are affected by the armyworms to mobilise local businesses to help provide farmers with the chemicals required to contain the infestation. We also call on them to use their constituency offices to mobilise financial and other resources needed in the fight against the armyworms.
We also commend Mulberry Development Limited for coming through for farmers with chemicals and sprayers to help them combat the invasive moth in Bwana Mkubwa constituency.
It is good that the company has pledged to continue working with Government to help communities as this is an effective way of giving back to the community.
The company is being a good example of how local businesses can help Government address national challenges in their own small ways.
By leveraging their networks and partnerships, local businesses can ensure that farmers have access to quality pesticides, biocontrol agents, and other pest management products.
This support is particularly critical for smallholder farmers who may struggle to afford these essential inputs on their own.
As we call on local businesses to support government efforts, we want to emphasise that it is important for them to seek collaboration with other stakeholders, including government agencies, international organisations, and agricultural extension services. By so doing, local businesses can create synergies and ensure a holistic approach to combating threats such as the fall armyworm infestations..