Farmers in Gatsibo District are complaining of a rare outbreak of insects that are attacking crops and threatening to affect their yields this season.The farmers requested concerned authorities to supply chemicals to kill the insects and prevent further reduction of their crops.Theodomir Munyankumburwa, a resident of Mataba village in Remera Sector, said the black insects destroyed several hectares within one week.“The insects have devastating effects. They attack plant leaves and destroy a whole garden within a few days. At least five hectares of beans in our sector were destroyed. We need urgent help,” he said.Ignace Zigama, another farmer in the district, said crops that were planted later in the planting season have been the worst hit.He predicted that the seasonal harvests this time may be the poorest in recent years, adding that it was too late to save the crops.“I am afraid this will be the worst season in recent times. The sector of Remera is the most affected. The insects resist most of the pesticides we use,” he said.Isai Habarurema, the Vice-Mayor in charge of Economic Affairs, said they were trying to check the spread of the insects to other sectors, besides Remera.He advised farmers to be vigilant and buy pesticides to spray crops across the affected gardens.“The insects are hazardous. Farmers should consistently use pesticides available in vet pharmacies,” he said.Reacting to concerns that crop yields would be greatly affected in the district, Habarurema said not all crops were destroyed. “It is true the insects’ infestation will have negative economic impact, but not all crops will be affected. There are farmers who grew crops earlier and the insects won’t affect them,” Habarurema said.Celestin Nyambi, Rwanda Agriculture Board (RAB) director in Eastern Province, confirmed the presence of the insects, but said the situation would be contained forthwith.“Maize fields were attacked first. The Ministry of Agriculture dispatched technicians and drugs that contained the situation. We are going to do the same to kill the pests affecting beans,” he said, adding that farmers should not panic. “There are cases of rust and anthracnose diseases in some bean farms in Gastibo and Nyagatare districts. Chemicals (Ridomil) are being applied for control. There is also a stalk borer (pest) in Kirehe and Gatsibo districts, Cypermethrine is also being applied,” he said.The ministry launched an insurance programme that covers losses incurred by farmers due to adverse weather conditions, diseases and wild animals which attack their crops.
