Agricultural experts have raised an alarm over impending food insecurity following the invasion of farms by the African armyworm in most parts of Western and Rift Valley regions of Kenya. Some of the areas under attack, according to experts are Busia, Bungoma, Trans-Nzoia and parts of Rift Valley, which are traditionally referred to as Kenya’s Food Basket.
According to Ruth Wilhelm Mukhongo, an insects and soil expert working with the County Government of Busia, African armyworm is more lethal on crops, especially grass family and legumes than any other pest that experts can think of, including Fall Armyworm.
Mukhongo revealed that county governments in affected areas, including Busia, are working closely with the national government through the Ministry of Agriculture on best ways forward to contain the deadly pest before the situation gets out of control.
“We have already received a considerable amount of pesticides that include Alpha and other brands of promotional pesticides from the National Government to spray invaded farms across Busia County at no cost,” Mukhongo reiterated.
Source: kenyanews.go.ke