Dr Zivhu
Walter Mswazie recently in Chivi
Farmers at Banga Irrigation Scheme in Chivi South, which has registered for Command Agriculture this year, are appealing for assistance in combating maize stalk-borer, amid reports the pest is resisting pesticides.
Speaking on the sidelines of the launch of the second phase of Chivi Village Zim-Asset phase two at Banga Irrigation Scheme last week, Ward 26 Councillor Enock Shindi said the 62 hectares irrigation plot had been affected by a “stubborn” stalk-borer that was threatening the farmers’ yield.
“We are grappling with this menacing pest, which has developed some resistance to a number of pesticides, he said. We have a very stubborn stalk-borer attacking our maize and the whole 61 hectares is under a threat.”
Cllr Shindi said the farmers tried to use a mixture of chemicals to treat the pest, but the situation has not changed.
“We are appealing to the agriculture extension services for assistance, he said. We have approached our local extension officers and they have advised us to use Carbaryl, but the worm is resistant to chemicals.
We have tried to use a mixture of pesticides, but that has not helped as our maize crop is still under attack.”
Cllr Shindi said on average, Banga Irrigation Scheme farmers produced not less than 300 tonnes of maize per year, making it a lifeblood for people of Chivi south.
He said about 300 families were benefiting from the irrigation scheme. The second phase of the Chivi Village Zim-Asset was being launched by Chivi Rural District Council chairperson Dr Killer Zivhu. The programme is set to transform Chivi’s socio-economic status, as it will target the development of key infrastructure such as roads, bridges and schools across the district.