Farmers urged to act swiftly against locusts

24 December 2009

The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development in the Northern Cape urges all farmers in the province especially in the Pixley ka Seme District to report swarms of locust on their farms. The department is faced with the challenge of farmers who are not reporting swarms. These swarms pose a serious threat if not well controlled.

Farmers in the Pixley Ka Seme District towns of Hopetown, Britstown, Strydenburg and Petrusville are requested to act swiftly against locust by:

* Immediately making contact with the Department of Agriculture’s Locust control department in De Aar on 053 631 3122 should they notice swarms
* Flying swarms settling destinations should be reported in order for control measures to be applied
* Absent farmers are warned of suffering exponential losses should they not give attention, as their farms might act as reproduction hotspot which will
   further exacerbate problem
* Farmers are requested to allow immediate access t to the locust control teams and be assured that the chemicals that are being used are
   environmentally friendly.

These teams have been on alert for the last two months and are also on stand-by to ensure the control of the locusts. Farmers may call 082 451 4862 to report any swarms on their farms.

Enquiries:

Phemelo Manankong
External Communication Officer
Tel: 053 839 7861/2
Cell: 072 215 7848

Issued by: Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Northern Cape Provincial Government
24 December 2009