. Siliya
By THANDIWE MOYO –
GOVERNMENT has warned agriculture extension officers against illegal selling of pesticides meant to control army worms.
Agriculture Minister Dora Siliya said if the reports from Mwense involving some extension officers selling the chemicals are proven true, the culprits will face the wrath of the law.
She said Government will not condone activities that deprive farmers of access to chemicals meant to eradicate army worms.
“If all those reports are true of pesticides being sold by some agriculture officers are true the people found wanting will be dealt with,” she said.
She said Government’s desire was to ensure farmers whose fields were ravaged by pests are helped with chemicals being distributed.
Ms Siliya said government understood the importance of agriculture and the relevance of producing good maize.
She said it was dis-heartening to hear that people took advantage of the situation by selling pesticides army worm chemicals which were meant to be distributed freely.
“People should not frustrate government’s efforts towards helping out the public, let us be patriotic and be honest in our quest to serve the public,” she said.
