Armyworm infestation destroys crops in Jigawa farmlands

Farmers in Jigawa State's Birniwa Local Government Area have expressed alarm over a massive armyworm infestation that has ravaged their farmlands, destroying vital crops. A local resident told DAILY POST that the infestation has raised significant concerns, as the loss of crops could exacerbate the financial hardships of farming households and potentially lead to food shortages if not addressed promptly.

Among the affected crops are sorghum, millet, groundnuts, hibiscus, and beans, which are essential food and cash crops cultivated by the area's farmers.

The Managing Director of the Jigawa Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (JARDA), Wasulu Muhammad, confirmed the extent of the damage, stating that over 790 hectares of farmland have been affected, impacting approximately 520 farmers. Muhammad emphasized that JARDA has sent a technical team to assess the damage and monitor the situation while offering farmers advice on pest control.

The state government has taken steps to prevent the outbreak from spreading further, identifying several areas such as Gajarma, Dalari, Bursili, Kulawa, Kupsa, Kirya, and Korewa as being particularly hard hit.

JARDA is urgently calling for assistance through the provision of agrochemicals and spraying equipment to combat the pest and protect unaffected farms. The state government is committed to supplying seeds and other farm inputs to help farmers recover and resume cultivation of their fields. Muhammad also urged farmers to maintain vigilance and seek extension support to promptly identify and manage the armyworm infestation before it causes further destruction.