Farmers stare at huge losses as fall armyworm destroy crops

Farmers in parts of Western, Rift Valley and Nyanza are staring at losses after fall armyworm invaded their farms, destroying maize, sorghum and finger millet.

Mr Milton Odhiambo, a farmer from Nasewa in Matayos, Busia County, said he was shocked one day when he woke up and found his farm invaded by the fall armyworm.

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The last time he witnessed such destruction was two decades ago, he said.

In Bungoma, the worst-hit areas are Bumula and Kanduyi where the worms have cleared acres of maize and beans.

Napier grass and trees have also not been spared by the destructive worms that are moving towards Mt Elgon, which forms part of the county’s food basket. Destruction of napier grass poses a threat to livestock production.

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“The two levels of government should address the problem of fall armyworm as a matter of urgency. If this is allowed to continue, a serious food crisis awaits us. Farmers should be given pesticides to deal with the destructive worms and be supported to plant afresh.”

The situation is the same in Migori County as the affected farmers ponder their next course of action. They said the armyworm first invaded Kuria East and Kuria West.