Insects destroying gardens

 THE drought situation in the Trobriand Islands has been delivered another blow – insects destroying food gardens.

Kiriwina-Goodenough MP Douglas Tomuriesa said insects had invaded gardens and destroyed the remaining crop which survived the drought.

He said the invasion of insects was severe as it could worsen the suffering of the people. 

He said just as humans were affected by a shortage of food, the insects were feeding on plants like never before. 

“While we are trying to fix one problem, another one arises. And this is not helping our efforts at all,” Tomuriesa said.

“Right now, I am not sure where to focus my attention on or to divert funding towards – toward the drought or to fight the insects.”

Tomuriesa will consult the Agriculture Department and National Agriculture Quarantine Inspection Authority to assist with pesticides.

Meanwhile, Tomuriesa said Prime Minister Peter O’Neill had given his assurance that the Government would continue to help those in drought-affected areas including the Trobriands. 

This follows an appeal by Tomuriesa for more funding towards relief efforts for his people in the Kiriwina-Goodenough electorate.

The El Nino has suffered all the food gardens in the islands.