By Austin Ogwuda
ASABA — THE National Horticultural Research Institute of Nigeria, has put a machinery in motion to curb the spread of water hyacinth across the South South geo-political zone, which will involve importation of weevils from Argentina.

Speaking at a sensitisation workshop in Asaba, the Executive Director of the Institute, Dr. Ademola Idowu, said the choice of biological control in place of  chemical controls became necessary “as a result of its harmless nature to man and marine lives.”

The workshop sponsored by African Develoment Bank for South South Coordinators, drew participants from Bayelsa, Cross Rivers, Akwa-Ibom, Edo, Rivers and Delta States.

In his contribution, the national Project Coordinator, Integrated Management of Invasive Aquatic Weeds Project, Mr. S.  Ighodaro, represented by Mr. Babatunde, hailed the choice of the biological control, which he said was natural and constituted no harm to man and marine lives.

Retired Director in the State Agricultural Development Programme,  ADP, Mr. Ben Okobaroh, described the current war against the invasive aquatic weeds as a welcome development. He  called on the management of the Institute “to carry out research on the spear grass control, using biological methods too in order to relieve the farmers from stress.”