BEETLES that destroyed taro in Temotu Province have been put under controlled as farmers continue to enjoy high yields from their gardens.
This was confirmed by the Temotu Provincial Chief Agriculture Research Officer Boaz Bero.
Mr Bero said that farmers continue to enjoy their yield s of taro, known as ‘Selfish Taro’, which has been flooding the Honiara markets in recent times.
“Taro beetle which over the years had destroyed our taro has finally been put under control as a result of our pest control measures,” Mr Bero said.
“We can see that our farmers are now happy with this, and continue to encourage them to engage in farming activities,” he added.
Mr Bero said that apart from taro farming, another two farming activities that were also been effective in the province were Kava and honey bee farming.
Meanwhile, whilst the taro beetle was put under control, he said the biggest threats to the province were the Giant African Snail and the coconut beetle.
He urged Temotu locals who are ravelling to the province to take every effort in making sure that these two pests never find their way into the province.
“These two pests were the biggest threats to our agriculture sector if they were to arrive here.
“People travelling especially from Honiara need to be careful with what they take with them, especially plants materials.”
“There was sighting of Giant African Snails in the province last year, but fortunately Temotu Quarantine team managed to eradicate it,” Mr Bero said.
By CHARLEY PIRINGI
