A farm in Kwale that has been invaded by armyworm. [Photo/ the-star.co.ke]
Famers in Kwale have called on the government to intervene and supply pesticides following an armyworm invasion on farms.
They said thousands of acres under crop production had been destroyed by armyworms.Government recently released Sh300 million to help fight armyworms that destroyed maize farms in Western and Riff Valley.Mary Mutinda, a farmer, said she was worried Kwale could be hit by famine next year following the destruction of crops by the armyworms.The armyworm that indiscriminately destroys crops is said to have originated from Uganda through the landlocked country’s Eastern districts of Mbale, Busia, Kapchorwa and Tororo.“My entire maize crop has been destroyed,” Mutinda said in an interview with a local radio station.“We have tried all sorts of pesticides to no avail.”She said some farmers had resorted to using local herbs in their attempt to contain the destructive armyworm. She, however, said results were negative.Jacob Musau said he had spent over Sh20,000 in cultivating land, buying seed and hiring labour in his farm but his entire maize crop had been damaged.He faulted the government for paying a deaf ear to their pleas for help.Alfred Mutua said the Ministry of Agriculture and other organisations promoting agriculture should intervene before the armyworm spreads to neighbouring counties.“We have struggled alone and our only hope lies with the ministry of Agriculture,” he said.Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Willy Bett in April said government would buy pesticides to be distributed to farmers in regions invaded by the armyworm.