THE Coconut Caterpillars, also known to farmers as the coconut worms, have once again resurfaced on the coconut estates of Mr. Henry and Alfro Alphonso of Grant Tenneze Ferme, Lower Pomeroon River.

The farmers reported to Guyana Chronicle that the situation, which started in May of this year, was brought under control after advice from Mr. Spelling of the Agriculture Department of Region Two.

The farmers said they used the chemical TRIAZOPHOS which killed most of the worms and brought the situation under control; but farmers said a few days ago the worms have started to re-appear in large numbers.

The farmers further pointed out that the only chemical that can completely destroy the worms is the MONOCROTOPHUS but the chemical is currently off the market because of health reasons.

The farmers are now once again calling on the relevant authorities to take a look into the situation before it gets out of control and the worms spread to the large coconut plantation nearby. This could have a severe impact on the lives of the people of the Lower Pomeroon since they depend largely on the coconut business for a daily living, as many floods to have hit the Pomeroon in recent times.

The management of The Pomeroon Oil Mill also joined the farmers’ plea for help since they are concerned that if the situation gets out of control, the copra supply to the mill would decrease which can cause the production rate to slow and eventually affect the export market.