FG Confirms Fresh Pest Attack on Maize

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Audu Ogbeh, yesterday confirmed the outbreak of a fresh pest attack on the maize crop, particularly in the South-west and Edo State by a disease identified as ‘Armyworm’ which causes wanton destruction to maize farmlands.

The pest which is known to occur usually in May and early June consumes leaf tissue of corn.
However, the minister was quick to add that the pest invasion appeared to have declined since its outbreak following efforts by the ministry in collaboration with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), one of the world’s leading research partners in finding solutions to hunger, malnutrition, and poverty as well as enhancing crop quality and their commercial viability and productivity. He added, however, that the outbreak was being closely monitored.
Also providing update on the recent outbreak of the pest, Tuta absoluta, commonly referred to as ‘Tomato Ebola,’ which had ravaged tomato farmlands and shot up the market price of the produce,  the minister said it still relied on international solution to fight the invasion, adding that the local remedy proffered by the Ministry and Science and Technology appeared to be defective following revelation that a major component of the solution-the Neem Tree, popularly known as Dogonyaro had the capacity to harm the bees which pollinate the tomato plant.
It further emerged yesterday that President Muhammadu Buhari may approve a proposal to introduce a single digit credit facility for livestock and other farming activities across the country.
However, the minister said the treatment involving the use of Dogonyaro, which is no longer fashionable globally, was not even sufficient to cover up to 1,000 hectares of land, adding that the local remedy could even harm human beings and cause stunted growth on tomatoes.
He said: “What they have may not be totally suitable and may have negative effect on the tomatoes they seek to protect.”
Nevertheless, Ogbeh said government would continue to work with local scientists towards addressing the problem as it currently looks overseas for solace.

Credit: Thisday