SHORT NEWS: Locusts detected at Vhungu Vhungu Green Scheme

Locust activity has been detected at the Vhungu Vhungu Green Scheme, raising concerns over potential crop damage and prompting calls for urgent intervention. During a tour of the scheme by Namibian Sun, crop production officer Kashonda Pontianus said locusts were observed damaging fields, particularly in sections that have not been chemically treated. He noted that areas sprayed on a weekly basis remain unaffected. Pontianus warned that although the locusts are still small, their population could increase rapidly if left unchecked. He urged the agriculture ministry to intervene urgently to prevent the situation from escalating. The alert comes when the Uvhungu Vhungu Green Scheme is expected to harvest about 10 000 tonnes of maize this year, making swift action vital to protect production and food security.