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GOVT STEPS UP TO ELIMINATE RED LOCUST ZAF FARM

GOVERNMENT has contained red locusts that attacked the 21 hectares maize field belonging to the Zambia Airforce (ZAF) in Lufwanyama district on the Copperbelt province.

Lufwanyama District Commissioner Justin Mwalikwa confirmed to ZANIS when he visited the affected farm located in Mukumbo area.

Mr Mwalikwa  said the quick intervention by officers from the department of agriculture who distributed chemicals upon receiving a report saved the farm from being invaded.

The District Commissioner further advised ZAF officers to continue clearing anti hills from the farm which have the potential of harbouring locusts.

“Am happy to note that all the portions that were reported to have been affected are now out of danger as all the spotted pests have been eradicated,” said Mr Mwalikwa.

He said his office received the news of red locusts’ attacks with great concern as it was endangering the country’s food security.

Meanwhile, ZAF Commander for Lufwanyama farm Lieutenant colonel Winston Moonde thanked the government for responding swiftly to the situation.

He said 90 hectares of maize at the farm has so far been planted and that all the areas that were invaded have been sprayed.

ZANIS reports that Lufwanyama’s Zambia Airforce farm is one of government’s agriculture sites established last year following President Hakainde Hichilema’s directive for defense wings to participate in the production of the country’s staple food.