MD Dediro wants more intervention for agro chemical against pest and diseases ravaging crops

Managing Director of Debiro Farms Limited, Alhaji Yakubu Mishelia Debiro

In the face of disease attacks on maize, tomato, cocoa and recently rice, the Managing Director of Debiro Farms Limited, Alhaji Yakubu Mishelia Debiro has called on government to invest more on agro chemical inputs for the sake of protecting food crops across the country.


Alhaji Debiro whose maize farm along Kaduna road was recently devastated by army worms said the incident is an indication that more attention needs to be given to effective agro inputs chemicals that would prevent pests and diseases attacks on crops.

 In recent time, crops like tomato, maize, rice and cocoa have been faced with pest and diseases attack with a lot of losses down the drain as there is need for research intensification on the best chemical to fight these crops radicals.

 Farmers and stakeholders in the value chain across the country have jointly raised alarm on the invasion of maize farms across the country by Army Worm Disease which recently invaded a 164 hectares owned by the Debiro farm along Kaduna road, km 118.

The Debiro MD stated that “the virus erupted last year in the South West before heading to various parts of the country. As nobody took the case serious when the farmers are crying until it spreads across the country now making the price of maize at Nigerian markets higher as moths and their larvae wipe out crops causing colossal losses”

“Army worms have been identified as main cause of food scarcity in the country and will affect the fortune of farmers and investors in this planting season if we don’t tackle the disease very well. Even with our money we might not be able to purchase the produce in any of the commodity market “said Debiro

He stated further that the Director of Federal Department of Agriculture FMARD, Dr. A.M Babandi has taken up the case towards helping the farmers and the entire nation from pest destroying our farms.

Scientists have noted that there are number of chemicals registered for control of armyworms. For winter outbreaks (during tillering), economic thresholds of 8 to 10 larvae per m² provides a guide for spray decisions. For outbreaks (during crop ripening) spraying is recommended when the density of larvae exceeds 1 to 3 larvae per m² although this figure must be interpreted in the light of: timing of harvest, green matter available in the crop, expected return on the crop, and larval development stage (if most are greater than 35-40 mm or pupating, it may not be worth spraying).


If spraying is necessary, it is highly recommended that this be carried out in late afternoon or early evening for maximum effect, as armyworms are nocturnal feeders. Insecticides are usually applied to maize to protect against damage by armyworm, sometimes as frequently as daily during the sulking stage. It is often necessary to protect both the early vegetative stages and reproductive stage of corn. Because larvae feed deep in the whorl of young corn plants, a high volume of liquid insecticide may be required to obtain adequate penetration. Insecticides may be applied in the irrigation water if it is applied from overhead sprinklers.

Granular insecticides are also applied over the young plants because the particles fall deep into the whorl. Some resistance to insecticides has been noted, with resistance varying regionally.

Food Farm News also spoke with the FMARD, desk officer maize who disclosed that the issue is already undergoing investigations as he has written to the Permanent Secretary and the Minister who are currently looking into the issue adding that farmers should be calmed as the issue would soon be resolved.