The locust outbreak devastated young crops in Hwange

A triple hit of locusts, stalk borers, and thunderstorms just wrecked young crops in Hwange, and farmers are staring at another brutal season.

Locust damage across Hwange District

• Given Moyo spoke about losses in Kachechete Ward.
• Crops around three weeks old were chewed up.
• Villages near Mpumelelo and Jengwe were badly affected.
• Small grains were wiped out at the germination stage.

Replanting efforts crushed again

• Farmers in BH25 and BH9 tried planting twice.
• Locusts returned and destroyed the new seedlings.
• Chisuma wards one to four saw repeated damage.
• Some growers have already abandoned their fields.

Stalk borers and storms worsen the crisis

• Given Moyo reported a stalk borer outbreak.
• Thunderstorms hit Jengwe and BH59 last week.
• Heavy winds flattened crops up to Chisuma Four.
• Fear of drought is growing among households.

Government response and monitoring

• Thulani Ndlovu confirmed Hwange as the only affected district.
• Agritex supplied carbaryl chemicals for control.
• Councillor Moyo said the chemicals arrived late.
• Extension officers are monitoring and urging reports.