Army worms invade maize farms in Ashanti Region

Some maize farmers have reported an invasion of army worms on their farms in the Ashanti region. 

The invasion of the destructive pests has led to the total destruction of some farms, causing an appreciable loss of funds and livelihood. 

One of the victims of the pest invasion, Adam Issah, who is in his late 40s, confirmed the incident to GBC’s Radio Ghana at Afari in the Atwima Nwabiagya district. 

Mr. Issah said the army worms started attacking his five acre maize farm from November last year when he planted the crop under irrigation during the minor season. 

He said between November and this month (February), he has had to replant the maize three times as a result of the pest invasion leading to a loss of about 10 thousand Ghana Cedis. 

Mr. Issah explained that the pests first attack the leaves of the maize about two weeks after germination and later destroy the plants from the nodes. 

According to him, the army worms have proven resistant to several pesticides. 

Mr. Issah noted that it was early this week that officials of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture prescribed a certain agro chemical for him to use but it is too late.

GBC