The armyworm burrows into maize cob. [Photo/bbc.com]Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) on Tuesday signed a technical corporation agreement worth Sh50 million with the Ministry of Agriculture to control Fall armyworms.
According to FAO country representative Gabriel Rugalema, a section of the Sh50 million donation will be used procure Fall armyworm surveillance kit which will be distributed to affected regions.
“This kit consists of moth culture and the necessary refills, traps, and strips to be used for surveillance in the hot spot regions after which the extent of infestation will be determined.” said Rugalema.
The donation is a big boost to better harvest in Rift Valley, Taita Taveta, Bungoma, Kwale, and Kakamega counties among others that were affected by the Fall armyworms.
At least 6-7 million bags of maize were lost since the pest was reported in Kenya in April.