Caption: African armyworms. Over 1600 acres of maize have been destroyed by the worms in Ukambani.Photo source: www.nri.org
A section of large and small scale farmers in Makueni County continue to count losses following an invasion of armyworms in their maize farms.
The director of Agriculture, Amos Ndunda has said that over 1600 acres of this crop have been destroyed in different areas including Kaiti, Ukia, Mbooni, and Kilome among others.
Ndunda also said that these pests can lead to massive losses within a few days because of their breeding rate.
He further said that officers from the ministry have been dispatched to the area in a bid to fight the menace.
“Our extension and research officers will be visiting the affected regions and commence the spraying of the crops,” he said.
The invasion of army-worms has left the residents in a hopeless state as famine and drought persist.
Ndungi Kyalo, a farmer in the area, said that he has already lost four acres of the crop to the pest after spending thousands of cash on the project.
“I have experienced a great loss after these worms invaded my farm and I’m not sure if I will get a good harvest,” lamented Kyalo.