Killer weed invades Pader district
Mar 11, 2010
A weed that multiplies fast has invaded Pader district and is suspected to be in other parts of northern Uganda.
By Cornes Lubangakene
A weed that multiplies fast has invaded Pader district and is suspected to be in other parts of northern Uganda.
The weed known as parthenium hysterophorus is fast multiplying in areas with internally displaced people’s camps. It is said to cause bronchitis and asthma.
According to the Pader district agricultural officer, Sam Okello, a sensitisation workshop on the weed was held for agricultural extension workers, sub-county and district leaders.
The workshop, held in January, was organised by the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARO).
A warning poster from NARO revealed that the weed affects crops and animal production, infects livestock milk and meat, and causes allergies and skin rash in human beings.
Okello advised farmers to burn the weed when it invades their gardens so that it does not multiply.
He said the district officials were sensitising farmers and residents about the dangers of the weed.
“This weed is difficult to destroy but can be killed by uprooting and burning before it matures and multiplies.â€
The areas that are most affected include Pader town, Parabongo, Lira Palwo and Awere sub-counties.
A weed that multiplies fast has invaded Pader district and is suspected to be in other parts of northern Uganda.
The weed known as parthenium hysterophorus is fast multiplying in areas with internally displaced people’s camps. It is said to cause bronchitis and asthma.
According to the Pader district agricultural officer, Sam Okello, a sensitisation workshop on the weed was held for agricultural extension workers, sub-county and district leaders.
The workshop, held in January, was organised by the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARO).
A warning poster from NARO revealed that the weed affects crops and animal production, infects livestock milk and meat, and causes allergies and skin rash in human beings.
Okello advised farmers to burn the weed when it invades their gardens so that it does not multiply.
He said the district officials were sensitising farmers and residents about the dangers of the weed.
“This weed is difficult to destroy but can be killed by uprooting and burning before it matures and multiplies.â€
The areas that are most affected include Pader town, Parabongo, Lira Palwo and Awere sub-counties.