Farmers in Adropi Sub County, Adjumani district are worried by the outbreak of Africanfall armyworms in three parishes of Openzinzi, Lajopi, and Palemo.
The presence of the migratory pests in the area has already destroyed an estimated 50 acres of maize gardens and several acres of pastures.
Jane Lilia, one of the affected farmers in Openzizi Sub County says that she has lost up to 2acres of maize crop over the last two days. She says the worms feed on several plant species including maize, millet, sorghum as well as pasture grass varieties that are used as cattle feed.
Stephen Anyanzo, another farmer says that he has lost over 3 acres of pasture since Sunday when the worms were detected on his farm. He further notes that animals cannot eat the pasture after the area has been devastated by the worms.
Dr. Geoffrey Mamawi, the Adjumani Production Officer says farmers should consider spraying their farms with ROKET, a non-systemic insecticide that he says is effective against several insect pests as they wait for intervention from the Ministry of Agriculture.
Adjumani Resident District Commissioner Peter Data has advised farmers to be on alert and report cases of the pest to authorities for action.
Since the start of this year, the Ministry of Agriculture has so far confirmed the outbreak of the fall armyworm in more than 40 districts namely Omoro, Luwero, Mukono, Wakiso, Bukedea, Katakwi, Bugweri, Serere, Busia, Bugiri, Mityana, Kiryandongo and among others.
–URN
