Staff Reporter
Government has intensified its efforts to combat the persistent threat of Fall Armyworm, which has significantly impacted crop production since it first invaded the country in 2017.

Speaking to the media recently, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Professor Obert Jiri, called on local seed houses to develop a robust solution to protect crops at the seed level.
"We must find a solution. Let us have a seed dresser that we apply to all the seed that we sell. So, to the Zimbabwe Seed Association (ZSA), your members, starting this coming year, should prepare to dress the seed with a chemical that protects both the seed and the crop, at least during its young stage, from Fall Armyworm," said Professor Jiri.
The Fall Armyworm infestation has proven to be a difficult challenge for farmers across the country. Despite various efforts to contain the pest, the problem has only worsened over the years. According to experts, the cost of controlling the Fall Armyworm has escalated, putting additional strain on farmers.
"From 2017, when the Fall Armyworm first hit us, we have not been able to find a robust solution. In fact, what has increased is not only the Fall Armyworm infestation, but also the cost to farmers in trying to control the pest. Our scientists are failing to keep up with the problem of the Fall Armyworm," Professor Jiri added.
The Government’s new strategy focuses on introducing a seed dressing technique that will protect crops right from the early stages of growth. Seed dressing involves treating seeds with chemical or biological agents before planting to prevent pest attacks, particularly from the Fall Armyworm.
Professor Jiri’s call has been supported by local seed companies, which are now expected to develop and apply effective seed dressers. The Ministry of Agriculture has also pledged to provide technical support and resources to ensure the success of this initiative.
Farmers have long been struggling with the devastating impact of Fall Armyworm, which primarily targets maize, a staple crop in Zimbabwe. The pest causes significant damage to crops, leading to lower yields and threatening food security in the country.
As the Government moves to address this issue at the seed level, experts hope that this new approach will significantly reduce the burden on farmers and help protect the nation’s agricultural output. However, the effectiveness of the seed dressing solution will depend on its widespread adoption and the ability of farmers to access the necessary resources.
The Government has assured of its continued collaboration with local seed houses and agricultural institutions to develop sustainable solutions to combat the Fall Armyworm and safeguard Zimbabwe’s food production.