By Aisha Chiwaya

Salima, April 27, Mana: Farmers in Salima have been advised to embrace natural methods of controlling insects in their fields to restore soil fertility and reduce reliance on chemicals, which contribute to soil degradation.

During a visit to lead farmers’ fields on Friday, officials from the International Centre for Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) noted that farmers using natural methods achieved good harvests, despite the heavy fall of armyworm attacks in the district.

According to Cropping Systems Agronomist in the Ministry of Agriculture Dr Donwell Kayira the methods, include push-pull farming, traps, biopesticides, and parasitoids.

"Push-pull involves planting desmodium to push pests away. Desmodium, a legume, adds nitrogen to the soil, so no chemicals are needed. The trap method uses water and pheromones to attract and trap male fall armyworms. We also use a safe biopesticide called detain," Kayira said.

Agriculture Development Extension Coordinator for Tembwe Extension Planning Areas, Elia Kazinga, praised farmers who adopted natural methods and urged them to share their knowledge with others.

"Some farmers have harvested enough while others have not, showing a knowledge gap. I urge farmers to support each other so we all can contribute to national development," Kazinga said.

Lead farmer Isaac Macdonald encouraged fellow farmers to adopt the natural methods, describing them as cost-effective and accessible to adopt.

"Farming is expensive with labour and chemical costs. This opportunity cuts costs, and it would be ungrateful not to embrace it and improve our lives," Macdonald said.

ICIPE is working to strengthen the resilience of smallholders against fall armyworm infestations in Salima, Mangochi and other districts.