MAFWR goes all out to curb palm weevil in Dhahirah villages

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MAFWR) launched on Sunday its fourth campaign to combat the alarming spread of the red palm weevil across Dhahirah.

Ahmed bin al Abri, Director of Agriculture Development Department in Dhahirah, said that 67 teams comprising 314 individuals are actively participating in the campaign in 101 villages, covering a total area of over 3,200 hectares.

The two-week campaign involves various activities, including visits to educate farmers and expatriate workers in the palm sector on effective methods to deal with the palm tree and protect it from pests. Additionally, the initiative includes agricultural exhibitions, training workshops, and educational lectures.

Highlighting the severity of the problem, Abri underscored the classification of the wilayats of Ibri, Yanqul and Dhank in Dhahirah as agricultural quarantine areas due to widespread infestation. This status enforces strict prohibition on transferring date palm seedlings from these wilayats to other regions without permission. This measure remains in place for three years post the last recorded case of infection.

Offering further insight, Abri informed that the third campaign recorded 2,052 infestations, with 1,539 palm trees treated and 513 infected trees removed in 100 villages, compared to the second campaign in March 2023, which recorded 4,372 infestations, 3,661 palm trees treated and 761 trees removed in 66 villages.

According to Abri, the ministry is committed to reduce the threat posed by the palm weevil, which has a detrimental impact on date production and jeopardises the sustainability of this crucial sector. He highlighted the ministry’s collaboration with the community to confront this agricultural pest through various means. The cooperation aims to combat the red palm weevil effectively and safeguard the date palm industry.