Farmers in Katsina Send Save-Our-Souls Pleas to FG As Worms Ravage Their Farmlands

By: Abdulwasiu Akintunde 

All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Katsina Charpter, has voiced out to the State Government to help farmers combat worms that are devastating their crops.

Speaking with journalists on Wednesday in Katsina, OPEN TELEVISION Naija reports that the AFAN Chairman, Yau Umar Gojo Gojo explained that the worms have invaded farmlands, devouring stems and hindering crop survival. 

He noted that the problem is particularly severe in areas such as Batarawa, Mani, Daura, and Funtua. 

OPEN TELEVISION Naija reveals that the worms primarily target newly planted crops like maize, guinea corn, and millet. 

The Chairman advised affected farmers to use recommended insecticides to control and prevent the spread of the worms. 

"We have received numerous complaints from our members about the worms destroying their crops. We have inspected the affected areas and advised farmers to urgently apply the recommended chemicals to kill the worms while awaiting government intervention to minimize losses," Umar advised other farmers.

The Chairman further explained that the worms emerged due to a ten-day lack of water in many parts of the state. 

"We hope they will disappear once the rains resumes, which we expect to happen soon," he said. 

AFAN Chairman has now called on the State Government and the Federal Government to assist farmers in combating the worms to prevent pre-harvest losses. 

"We urge the Government to provide farmers with chemicals to control these worms," he emphasized. 

"The Government can deploy the 722 extension workers to each ward in the state to help eliminate these pests in their respective communities. 

OPEN TELEVISION Naija recalls as said by AFAN Chairman, that each extension worker has been equipped with a motorcycle and sprayer for necessary use, so the government should also supply them with the required chemicals to combat the worms." 

OPEN TELEVISION Naija further gathered that the AFAN Chairman laments on the issue of ground saying without urgent actions, agricultural productivity, particularly for maize, guinea corn, and millet, could be severely impacted. 

The Chairman has noted that the affected farms are key producers of these crops.