The Ekiti State Government has issued an urgent alert to farmers about the outbreak of Fall Armyworm (FAW) which poses a severe threat to cereal production in the state. The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Ebenezer Boluwade, highlighted the gravity of the situation, noting that maize, the most critically affected crop by fall armyworm across Africa, holds immense significance in Nigeria as a staple food......See Full Story>>.....See Full Story>>
In a statement released in Ado Ekiti on Saturday, Boluwade revealed that the Federal Government, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation, has mandated all states to activate FAW Desks and conduct a rapid assessment of the infestation’s severity in cereal-producing areas.
Describing FAW as a formidable pest capable of causing total crop loss, Boluwade emphasized that the Ekiti State Government is urgently implementing a comprehensive strategy to manage the escalating infestations and prevent a potential famine.
He underscored the necessity of adopting an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach, which combines cultural, biological, botanical, physical, genetic, and chemical measures to effectively reduce FAW populations and safeguard food security.
Farmers affected by the infestation are urged to report to the FAW Desk at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security for immediate assistance.