NAREI helps Region 2 farmers eliminate caterpillar infestation

Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) farmers currently battling a caterpillar infestation have expressed satisfaction with the intervention by the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) in combatting the situation.
The caterpillars, which infested farmlands at Wakapoa, Curimaru, Myrie and Yarrashirima, all riverine areas, affected over 200 acres of cassava plants.
According to a recent statement, the farmers are pleased with the chemicals provided by NAREI, noting that they were definitely effective in destroying caterpillars that had infested their farms earlier this month.
Farmers are now nurturing their crops to ensure the cassava matures.

Stanley Emanuel, whose farm was affected, said of his two-and-a-half acres only half acre was saved from the pest.
Had it not been for NAREI’s intervention the prospect of reviving the other two acres would have been bleak, he indicated.
According to Emanuel, farmers are grateful for the assistance offered by NAREI.
Extension officers of NAREI have been working with farmers since the report was made on May 4.
Following the report, extension officers visited the communities to assess the situation. Chemicals and blowers were sent into the area for farmers to tackle the pest. Demonstrations were done to enlighten farmers of how much chemical to use and how to handle the blowers for optimal results.
Emanuel found NAREI’s response to be highly effective since there is no caterpillar visible.
However, he is heeding NAREI’s advice to monitor his farm regularly for any signs of the pest.
Another farmer who shared his experience with NAREI is Joel Smith. His entire three-and-a-half acres were destroyed by the pest. He is thankful for the assistance from NAREI but is troubled about his finances.
“The fields damage real bad… I am happy the chemicals really helped… they don’t have any caterpillar right now but I have to wait and see how this crop turn out,” Smith said.