How to tackle armyworm – Expert

An expert in organic agriculture has said that there is no cause for alarm over the problem of armyworms that are currently attacking maize farms in some states in the country as the solution is readily available.  The expert, Mr. Nnamdi Ukoko, of BICCO Agro-Products (WA) Ltd, told our reporter during an interactive session that […]

An expert in organic agriculture has said that there is no cause for alarm over the problem of armyworms that are currently attacking maize farms in some states in the country as the solution is readily available. 

The expert, Mr. Nnamdi Ukoko, of BICCO Agro-Products (WA) Ltd, told our reporter during an interactive session that Bioneem fertiliser and Bioneem pesticide had since been found to be effective remedies for the disease caused by armyworms. 

Mr. Ukoko explained that the Bioneem fertiliser, when applied to the crops treated the worms inside the soil; while the Bioneem pesticide, if sprayed on the crops, attacks the worms on the surface. 

“We have these products and have been advising farmers to use them but many of them won’t listen, that’s why they are suffering losses due to the disease attacks on their farms,” he lamented. 

The expert assured of the availability, affordability and cost effectiveness of the products, stressing that they were environment-friendly. 

He advised farmers to go for organic inputs as crops grown with them were highly nutritious and sought after by consumers due to their healthy nature. 

Mr. Ukoko urged the government and other stakeholders to intensify efforts in the area of agricultural research and promotion of organic agriculture as well.