Report Traces of Caterpillars, Don't not Panic....

An entomologist at the Ministry of Agriculture has warned farmers in Maryland County not to get panic, but report traces of the Achaea Catocaloides insect pests commonly known as ‘Caterpillar’ whenever they see them on their farms or surroundings.  The worrisome pests recently surfaced, but with slight risk, in some districts and towns including Kaluway, Borrobo, Dugbeken, Manolu and Karloken in Maryland County.  

Mr. Garmoyou Aloysius Sam recently headed  a thirteen-man rapid respond joint technical facts finding team to Maryland County in respond to calls from farmers and local government officials, that the caterpillars have surfaced in that region.  Mr. Sam however told farmers that the caterpillars were surfacing because of the climatic change the county is experiencing.  The Tree Crops Specialist also pointed out that since the insects usually surface at an unknown period, it is important for farmers to keep their surroundings clean.

According to Mr. Sam, the Minister of Agriculture Dr. Mogana S. Flomo, Jr., has stressed government’s commitment in strengthening all sectors of agriculture in the country critical to enhancing food crop productions, national food security and economic development which he said will no more be devastated by another colony of caterpillar infestation.  He however cautioned farmers to manage what is being provided them by government and other collaborating partners through the Ministry of Agriculture in combating any furtherance of the pests.

The joint technical task force with members from the Environmental Protection Agency – EPA; National Public Health Institute of Liberia – NPHIL; World Food Programme – WFP; the Food and Agriculture Organization – FAO; National Disaster Management Agency; the Central Agricultural Research Institute – CARI; Partner in Health – PIH, took up time to carry out awareness, conduct training on water purification and sanitation to farmers and community dwellers.

A seven-man voluntary task force from the National Agro Dealers Association of Liberia – NADAL, also, conducted training on spraying techniques among farmers.

For his part, Warteken Statutory District–1 Commissioner in respond thanked the joint technical task force and development partners for reaching out to their call, and to also enlighten their minds on the behavior of the caterpillars.  Mr. Nyenoon Hinneh said the accessories given to the participating towns will be used according to the training guide. Forty persons from each of the eighteen clans benefitted from the trainings.