Army worms invade cocoa farms in Ashanti Region

Army worms have invaded several cocoa farms in the Ejisu-Juaben municipality, Afigya Kwabre and Ahafo Ano South districts in the Ashanti region.

The affected farmers complained that the application of pesticides in controlling the disease have not been effective as it continues to spread to other farming communities such as Mamponteng, Kona, Atia, Boamang, Amampama and other 20 cocoa growing communities.

This development is likely to affect the 1 million metric tonnes target of cocoa production in the country if immediate measures are not put in place to address it.

The worms eat around the cocoa pod and produce some black spots on the cocoa impeding its growth.

Whilst some farmers have managed to harvest half of their expected produce others were unable to recoup.

Another cocoa farmer, Thomas Muller, said he experienced the invasion last year but was not as severe as this year.

Mr Muller pleaded with the government to fast-track moves to assist them control the spread of the worms to other farms.