Farmers spray their maize crops to neutralize armyworms. [Photo:dhahabu.co.ke]
Researchers have expressed concern over the dangerous effects of fall armyworms.
The researchers at the African Union Commission are warning that the fall armyworm infestation is fuelling the aflatoxin contamination.
Speaking at the workshop on Combating Aflatoxins in the Maize Value Chain of Africa in Tanzania, AUC’s Partnership for Aflatoxin Control in Africa (PACA) Progam Manager Dr. Amare Ayalew said once the insect damages the maize grain, it provides an entry point into the grain.
“Aflatoxin is a menace to the maize value chain in Africa and we have to find a way of dealing with it from a multi-pronged approach,” said Dr. Amare.
Tanzania Minister for Agriculture Dr. Charles Tizeba has raised concern over the stringent import measures taken by Kenya at the Namanga border.
The Minister said often Tanzanian maize exporters are incurring losses when Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) declare their produce unfit for the Kenyan market.
The armyworms have been a catastrophe to farmers in Kenya, with farmers in regions such as Tharaka Nithi experiencing the problem that has led to poor harvests.