FG issues alert on emergence of maize disease

A few weeks after the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development raised the alarm on the degree of losses tomatoes’ farmers have sustained in the country, due to the recent destruction caused by the tomato disease, Tuta Absoluta, the ministry has again issued a fresh alert on the emergence of another disease called Army Worm, that is attacking maize in some parts of the country.

The Minister, Audu Ogbeh, made the disclosure while briefing journalists in Abuja on the progress so far made by his ministry in the area of livestock development and the steps being taken to harmonize issues surrounding the controversial grazing reserves.

Worried that the concerted efforts of the present administration to ensure food security and make agriculture the mainstay of the nation’s economy is under serious threat by the emergency of these crops diseases, Ogbeh told journalists that he has giving marching orders to experts who are already combing the affected places to contain the diseases.

According to him, incidences of attack by army worm had been established in Edo and some South West states.

He, however, said that the ministry is working closely with scientists at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) to ensure quick containment of the disease.

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