AMIDST ARMY OF CATERPILLAR KNOWN AS ARCAEA ATTACK
Bong County – Since Sunday, June 11, 2023, specialists from the Ministry of Agriculture have begun treating vulnerable villages in Bong County simultaneously in Salala and Zota Districts to stop the spread of the caterpillar infestations in rural Liberia. Last Monday, June 5, 2023, the MOA revealed a resource mobilization strategy to stop the spread of an army of caterpillars known as Archaea, which is distinct from Fall Army Worms, in numerous towns in Bong, Gbarpolu, and Nimba County.
The caterpillars are invading farms, ruining bananas, cocoa, and other food crops, fouling waterways, and climbing into houses. Towns in the counties of Bomi, Lofa, and Margibi have been infested by caterpillars since last Friday, June 9, 2023.
Consequently, six of Liberia’s fifteen counties are now impacted by the infestations. While the Central Agriculture Research Institute (CARI) continues in the Suakoko region, the MOA’s team has begun spraying Sahankpalla Town in the Zota District and Yanquelleh Town in the Salala District. They will next go on to other counties.
”In order to effectively coordinate our response, we are working with our development partners and governmental organizations like the National Public Health Institute and the Ministry of Health under the One Health Platform to contain the caterpillars, Minister Jeannie Cooper stated.”
Governmental organizations and developing partners have already shown their desire to help the MOA contain the caterpillars.
Reported by: Augustine Octavius
Contact: +231777463963
Email: augustineoctavius@gmail.com
