The Ekiti State Government has notified farmers in the state about the development of Fall Armyworm infestations in grain production.
Mr Ebenezer Boluwade, the state Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, stated that maize, one of the most important cereal crops farmed in Nigeria and a staple food for millions of Nigerians, was the most infested crop by FAW in Africa.
Boluwade offered the advise in a statement made public in Ado Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti state, on Saturday.
“The Federal Government has directed all the states to activate FAW Desk and Ministry of Agriculture Goa Rapid Assessment of the severity of the infestation in cereal producing areas in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation,” he stated.
The commissioner described FAW as a serious maize insect problem that can cause 100% crop loss.
Boluwade continued: “The state government is putting up urgent approach to manage the reported hike in the level of infestations using holistic management strategies and controls of the invasive insect pest in order to prevent famine in Ekiti State.”
To combat the menace, he emphasised the importance of an Integrated Pest Management approach, which he stated required the integration of cultural, biological, botanical, physical, genetic, and chemical control measures, as well as their combination if possible, to reduce the population of FAW in maize farms and ensure food security and safety.
The commissioner advised any impacted farmers to contact the FAW Desk at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
Bottom Line
FAW is a highly destructive pest known for causing significant crop losses, with the potential to devastate maize production, a staple food in Nigeria. The government’s proactive approach in addressing this issue reflects a strong commitment to protecting farmers’ livelihoods and ensuring the availability of essential food resources.
Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade’s emphasis on the seriousness of FAW and the potential for 100% crop loss is an important reminder of the scale of the threat posed by this pest. By alerting farmers and encouraging them to reach out to the FAW Desk at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the state government is fostering a collaborative effort to monitor and manage the infestation effectively.
