Over 160 famers equipped with innovative Push- Pull Pest Management technique

SIMIYU: IN a bid to promote sustainable farming and combat the destructive fall armyworm, the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) Ukiriguru center has trained over 160 farmers in the Simiyu region on the Push-Pull technology.

The training was conducted during a farmer’s field day held recently, at the Nyakabindi Agritech Hub, where participants witnessed firsthand the benefits of this innovative pest control method.

The Push-Pull technology is a biological pest management system that involves planting Desmodium (push) among maize crops to repel pests, while surrounding the farm with Mulatto grass (pull) to attract and trap them.

Beyond pest control, the technology also improves soil fertility, moisture retention, and livestock fodder production, making it a holistic approach to improving yields without the use of harmful chemical pesticides.

According to Ms Agnes Kapingu, a researcher from TARI Ukiriguru, the training was organized to raise awareness and encourage farmers to adopt safer, cost-effective farming techniques that protect both human health and the environment.

“Many farmers rely on chemical pesticides, which, when misused, can harm the environment and human health. By adopting Push-Pull technology, they can naturally control fall armyworms while maintaining soil quality and protecting beneficial insects,” she explained.

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Farmers attending the training, which was facilitated under the UPSCALE project funded by the European Union, expressed their appreciation for the initiative and shared their experiences with the technology.

“I have realized that this method not only controls pests but also helps suppress weeds, as Desmodium covers the soil, reducing the need for frequent weeding,” said Mr Godfrey William, a farmer from Nyakabindi.

On her part, Ms Isabella Mrema, an Agriculture Officer from TARI Ukiriguru and head of the Nyakabindi Agritech Hub, encouraged farmers to integrate good agronomic practices alongside Push-Pull technology.

She emphasized the importance of selecting high-quality maize seeds developed by TARI, which have been tested and proven to yield better harvests.

TARI’s efforts to promote sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices align with national agricultural development goals, aiming to enhance food security, increase farmers’ income, and reduce dependency on chemical pesticides.