Dangerous "Prosopis" Weed Infest Pastureland in Afar

BERTA, Dec. 17 (WIC) – A total of 550,000 hectares of grazing land in two woredas of Zone Three of Afar State has been infested by a dangerous weed called "prospis", the zonal agricultural department said.  According to Ato Wondwossen Alemu, expert of graze land development in the department, the weed, more commonly known as "Tikusat" in the locality, is fast spreading especially in the Amibara and Gewane woredas.

Noting that no other plant can grow in the vicinity of the Prospis weed, Ato Wondwossen said Prospis seed is also capable of coming to life even after being exposed to excessive heat and dying .

According to Ato Wondwosen, the thorny Prospis weed, besides destroying pastureland, is also driving its thorns into the legs of camels and causing serious wounds.

The Prospis thorns are also easily driven into car tyres deflating them and rendering them useless, Ato Wondwossen said.