News Ministry warns of new armyworm outbreakA man inspects armyworm damage in his farm in the past. FILE PHOTO | NMGThe Agriculture ministry has warned of a re-emergence of a fall armyworm outbreak as the North Rift region, the country’s food basket, prepares to plant this season's crop. The repeated outbreak of the dreaded pest is expected especially in marginal agricultural areas where there were infestations during the short rains. It, however, maintains that the damage by the fall armyworm to crop yields on long rains marginal crops is expected to be less compared to the previous seasons. It has issued drought alert on seven counties and agriculture experts warn that a re-occurrence of the armyworm will complicate food security in the country.

Source: The North Africa Journal January 21, 2019 11:15 UTC