Georgetown: Ensuring that extension officers are better equipped with the expertise to identify, control and prevent pest and diseases affecting farmers countrywide has been a mandate the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute has been vigorously pursuing over the years and has aided in farmers livelihood being protected.
Today, scores of extension workers and representatives drawn from the Ten Administrative Region and National Plant Protection Organization commenced a two-day training program with specific emphasis being placed on the Carambola Fruit Fly.
The fruit fly is a major pest impacting agriculture in many countries and affects over 200 types of fruits and vegetables. This can result in losses of up to 100 percent if left untreated.
Agriculture Minister Dr. Leslie Ramsammy while addressing officers during the opening ceremony underscored the importance of extension officers and the role they play in ensuring that farmers received the much needed support with pest and disease control.
“Extension Officers play a major role in advancement of Agriculture in any country as they provide direct support to farmers….your job is therefore not easy and while we are cognizant of the fact, ensuring you are better prepared to detect and control pest and disease remains one of our biggest priority,” Minister Ramsammy said.
Between 10 to 40 percent of food production is lost to pest and diseases on an annual basis in countries around the world. As such Minister Ramsammy reminded the officers to see the workshop for what it is, which is to be better prepared to identify, protect and control the Carambola Fruit Fly which presently is affecting some farmers.
Over the years, NAREI’s Extension Officers have performed successfully in addressing pest and diseases at an early stage resulting in farmers’ suffering minimal loss.
Minister Ramsammy reminded participants that Guyana has been one of the more successful countries in the world in combatting pests and diseases.
“We are working at the level of Government to ensure that our farmers do not suffer as a result of pests and diseases. As such, we have been investing in ensuring that state-of-art equipment to perform the various duties such as soil testing etc is readily available,” he said.
Minister Ramsammy also reminded the Officers that they are Guyana’s gatekeepers on Pest Control and Management and as such, must perform their duties exceptionally.
Meanwhile, the importance of today’s exercise was also reiterated by NAREI’s Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Extension Advisory Sub-Committee, Dr. Oudho Homenauth and Major General retired Joseph Singh respectively who reminded the Officers of the importance of pest control.
During the workshop distribution of fruit flies Anastrepha, identification, surveillance and control such as Block baiting, Mass trapping and Pulverization will be discussed. A Fruit Fly Control program will also be developed.
The Carambola Fruit Fly is about the same length as a common housefly but can grow up to 6-8mm. They have clear wings, generally black chest and paler abdomens with a distinctive black T-shaped marking.
The eggs are hatched into maggots (larvae) which feeds on the decaying fruit, causing premature fruit drop. Considerable damage can occur inside the flesh of the fruit before obvious signs of infection can be seen. The signs are a small discolored patch on the skin, which develop from punctured or stings made by the female as she lays for eggs.
You must be logged in to post a comment.