At least 150 acres of maize crop has been destroyed in three wards of Kibwezi East and Kibwezi West sub-counties following an invasion of armyworm in the areas.
The areas affected by the armyworm in Kibwezi East are Masongaleni and Ivingoni/Nzamba (wards) while in Kibwezi West is Nguu Masumba (ward) respectively.
The Department of Agriculture and Livestock Executive Committee Member (ECM) Joyce Mutua said this on the telephone on Saturday evening noting the pests invaded late last week.
While saying the insects are very destructive, Mutua said that already her department has liaised with the national government to ensure they get the required chemicals to fight the spread of the army worm.
“We have agreed with the national government that they will provide chemicals to combat the army worm this week. We will ensure the farmers get the spray chemicals to avert further destruction of the maize crop,” said Mutua.
She added that her department will work closely with farmers to ensure the calamity is fought and farmers are saved from incurring more losses.
It should be noted here that the areas which are under crop now, are the worst hit by the raging drought that has affected the county recently. However, for the past four weeks, the rains have pounded the areas and farmers have since planted maize besides other crops.
By Patrick Nyakundi
