By Venance George
The Citizen Correspondent

Morogoro. The Kilombero district administration has urged farmers to take precautions against the emergence of rats and armyworms.
The district commissioner, Mr Evarist Ndikilo, said a survey conducted in the district had established that the pests were seen in Mang’ula, Ifakara, Mngeta and Mlimba divisions.  He said the threat was particularly pronounced in maize and rice farms.

Mr Ndikilo said some 169 hectares of maize and 150 hectares of rice had so far been invaded by rats and armyworms, adding that an operation had been launched to eradicate the rodents.

He said armyworms had been spoted in Mang’ula division in Kiberege, Mpanga and Mikoleko villages.   
The pests have started to destroy maize and rice planted in the villages.

Mr Ndikilo has directed the district executive director, through the agricultural department, to act quickly.
He directed them to contact the regional leaders on the problem and obtain enough pesticides which will be used to contain the pests whose number is expected to increase between now and February.

The DC also asked local leaders in Mang’ula, Mngeta and Mlimba divisions to educate farmers and tell them what the district administration has already done to control the problem.

Mr Ndikilo said the efforts taken by the government aimed at assisting the farmers and encourage them to continue with their farming.
He urged farmers to continue with their activities, especially after the district administration provided them with 26 power tillers, to ensure that they increase output.

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