June 4, 2025
Following the detection of Fall Armyworm (FAW) in Uciwai, Nadi on 23 April, the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF), in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways and the Sugar Research Institute of Fiji, has been working together on a comprehensive response effort.
Key
actions include:
·
Enhanced field
surveillance and early detection systems to control new outbreaks.
·
Farmer awareness
sessions in infested and non-infested areas in Viti Levu.
·
Targeted
deployment of containment and control measures where infestations are
confirmed.
· Ongoing collaboration with regional and international counterparts on strategies to address FAW issues.
The agriculture sector faces a significant threat, with the current infestations reported on most farms in the West between Sigatoka and Rakiraki.
The
Ministry urges all farmers to:
·
Remain vigilant
and monitor crops for signs of FAW.
·
Report any
suspected infestations immediately to BAF Helpline 5995.
· Implement approved control strategies without delay.
The Ministry advises farmers to seek BAF approval before transporting maize and sweetcorn to non-infested areas to prevent further spread.
-Ends-