– Over 200 acres of cassava farms affected

EXTENSION Officers of the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) are on the ground assisting farmers of Wakapoa, Curimaru, Myrie and Yarrashirima affected by the caterpillar infestation.On Wednesday, May 4, 2016 Extension Officers operating in Region Two were informed about the infestation in the riverine communities, NAREI reported, and they found that over 200 acres of cassava farms were infested.

NAREI will be assisting the farmers with chemicals (best-tac, fast-tac, or alpha-cypermethrin) to combat the pest, NAREI said in a press statement, noting that the chemicals are available on the local market.

Extension Officers will be conducting informal training sessions to educate farmers about the safe and effective usage of the chemicals for optimal results. In addition, NAREI will be working closely with the Toshao and Village Council to ensure all affected farms are treated.

“NAREI is cognizant of the devastating effects the caterpillar infestation would have on crops and by extension the communities.

“As such, farmers are asked to be watchful and report any abnormalities to Extension Officers immediately,” NAREI stated.