As Uganda’s farmers strive to meet growing demands, they still face the daunting challenge of pests including thrips, fruit flies, and caterpillars continuing to ravage crops thus diminishing yields and straining the livelihoods of many.
At the recent Harvest Money Expo in Namboole stadium which ran under the theme “Farming as a Business, Value Addition, and Cooperatives,” experts revealed key pest control strategies to combat the issue and boost yields.
Doreen Namulondo, an agronomist at Real Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Uganda, noted that pests are a significant threat to Uganda’s agriculture, particularly for crops like mangoes, which often fall victim to fruit flies.
“The maggots you see inside mangoes are the result of fruit fly larvae,” she explains.
“These pests cause extensive damage and frustrate farmers.”
Along with fruit flies, another notorious culprit is the flying menace of whiteflies.
Namulondo emphasized the importance of monitoring pest activity using simple traps in the garden.
“Traps are an essential tool to assess pest populations,” she said. “By knowing exactly which pests you have, you can tailor your intervention methods accordingly.”
Farmers are encouraged to clear their farm environments, as cleanliness can drastically reduce pest occurrences.
“Weeds, stagnant water, and unkempt surroundings attract pests. By clearing your farm surroundings, you create an environment that is less inviting to pests,” she added.
Cultural practices, such as pruning, also play a vital role.
“If you have too many branches and leaves, you are essentially providing a hiding place for pests,” Namulondo pointed out. “Prune your plants to eliminate pest havens.”
When it comes to pest control, there are several methods. Mechanical control can be as simple as manually removing pests from plants, while biological control involves using natural predators like beneficial bacteria and fungi to target harmful insects.
“Incorporating biological pesticides is an effective way to naturally reduce pest populations without harming the environment,” Namulondo said.
While organic and mechanical methods are preferred, experts, including Fifi Uwonkunda, manager at Fertiplus, caution that sometimes chemical pesticides are necessary.
However, Uwonkunda stresses, “Chemical solutions should be a last resort after all other methods have been exhausted.”
With the right combination of monitoring, maintenance, and sustainable interventions, Uganda’s farmers can rise above the pest dilemma, ensuring healthier crops and higher yields.
For farmers in attendance, Namulondo’s message is clear: “Take care of your environment, monitor your crops closely, and use the right combination of methods to ensure a healthy and thriving farm.”
The expo was sponsored by Abi, Pepsi, Bella wines, UCD, Engsol, Tunga Nutrition in partnership with New Vision and the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
