Insect threatens crops in Mauritania
Mauritania, Agriculture, 9/1/1999

The sesamia, a gnawing insect which attacks cereal stalks and discovered four years ago in Brakna, in southern Mauritania, is responsible for the loss of 10,000 tons of sorghum per year in the North African country.

Scientifically called Sesamia Calamistis, it is currently present in large parts of the country, said Mohamed Abdellahi Ould Mohamed Lemine, head of the plant resource improvement unit at the Agro-Pastoral Resource Division.

In addition to sorghum, Mauritanian experts said, the sesamia also attacks sugarcane and other cereals such as millet, maize, and rice, the staple food of Mauritanians.

In view of the seriousness and quick spread of the insect, whose presence was spotted on the borders between Senegal and Mali, the relevant authorities put in place a "follow-up committee" in charge of crafting a plan to fight this scourge.

The working group is to propose a series of measures likely to decimate the sesamia or, at least, mitigate the devastating effects of its presence in the fields.

While waiting for a plan of action and the resources necessary for its implementation, several control techniques - which have proved to be costly - are being tried out.

A campaign is also under way to promote farmers' awareness on the need for an integrated fight against the sesamia's devastating effects. The campaign is preceded by training sessions for the technicians.

Previous Stories:
  Popular regret in Mauritania for normalizing relations with Israel   (9/1/1999)
  Jordanian-Mauritania cultural relations highlighted   (8/28/1999)
  Mauritanian Imams contribute to anti-AIDS campaign   (8/28/1999)

Please add a link on your webiste pointing to ArabicNews.com and bookmark ArabicNews.com & subscribe to our daily email news bulletin.

Search