PADER has become the latest district to complain about the congress weed, scientifically known as Parthenium hysterophorus. This is one of the world’s 10 most dangerous weeds. The weed multiplies rapidly and causes enormous damage.

It reduces crop yields, infringes on pastures, kills livestock and burns the skin of human beings who make contact with it, most especially women and children.

This weed entered Ethiopia through relief food sent there in the 1980s and has since spread into Kenya and Uganda. Unlike the water hyacinth whose spread was limited to large water bodies, the congress weed spreads easily on land. It has already spread to more than 10 districts including Bugiri, Busia, Ibanda, Iganga, Jinja, Kabale, Kasese, Mbale, Mbarara, Namutumba and Tororo. Each plant matures within a month and can produce over 20,000 seeds.

A weed of this magnitude should be tackled urgently. Whatever the control method, the best results are achieved before the weed spreads. Any delay gives it a chance to multiply, after which it becomes difficult to eliminate. Farmers countrywide should be taught how to identify and remove the weed.

The agriculture ministry should deploy a task force that controls the weed on non-private land and also facilitates individuals to control it on private land. All district authorities should make this a priority.

A combination of physical and chemical methods of controlling the weed should be employed. Any delay could lead to catastrophe.