DILI, 06 february 2024 (TATOLI) – The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry (MALFF) has allocated US$250,000 for the purchase of 13,000 liters of pesticides to protect farmers’ cultivated plants from invasive species during the growing seasons.
The 13,000 liters of pesticides would be distributed to the municipal agriculture offices across the country to help protect cultivated crops, especially corn and paddy.
The National Director of Agriculture and Horticulture, Lúcio Ribeiro, said that in some municipalities, crops had been attacked by invasive pests: “Therefore, it’s necessary to buy the pesticides to protect farmers’ cultivated plants from invasive pest species.”
He said that the purchase of pesticides is part of the government’s early intervention strategies for managing invasive species.
Ribeiro added that managing invasive species becomes increasingly difficult and expensive as populations of pests spread fast: “These insects can travel 300km a day. They can attack hectares of crops in a day.”
According to Ribeiro, Covalima and Manufahi are the most vulnerable municipalities to the frequent attack of invasive pest species.
Last year, MALFF also allocated US$90,000 for the purchase of pesticides to protect communities’ crops.
Journalist: José Belarmino De Sá
Editor: Filomeno Martins
