Stefanus Nashama
The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform urged farmers to stay alert and report any pest outbreaks following concerns over the spread of armyworms in the Oshikoto and Oshana regions.
The ministry’s spokesperson, Regina Valombola told the Windhoek Observer on Thursday that early detection and reporting are critical in the process of managing pests.
“After significant rainfall, many pests, including armyworms, are more likely to infest green vegetation, including cultivated crops. While this is a natural occurrence, it’s crucial for farmers to regularly monitor their fields and report any findings to the nearest ministry branch,” she explained.
Her statement follows a Windhoek Observer report earlier this week that highlighted sightings of armyworm outbreaks in the affected regions.
The ministry confirmed the presence of the pests but assured the public that preparedness measures were in place.
“We are aware of the armyworm infestation in Oshikoto and Oshana. Our personnel are trained, and we have ready-to-use spraying equipment and pesticides in place,” Valombola said.
She added that staff across all 10 cropping regions are equipped to handle pest outbreaks, with a backup team on standby if needed.
On Thursday, Oshana Governor Elia Irimari reassured residents that while armyworm activity had been observed, it had not reached large proportions.
He urged the public to remain vigilant and report any new sightings immediately.
So far, no additional cases of armyworm infestation have been reported, and efforts to reach farmers in other regions have yielded no new findings.
Valombola said that the ministry is taking a proactive approach to contain the spread of pests and minimise crop damage.
“Farmers are encouraged to stay connected to local information-sharing platforms for updates and rapid interventions,” she said.
