Fall armyworms threaten food security

By BUSINESS REPORTER ZAMBIA’S food security is being threatened by Fall Armyworm (FAW) that has affected famers in several areas across the country, says Agriculture Minister Michael Katambo.

Mr Katambo said the pest was initially detected on the Copperbelt in December 2016 but it had spread to all the parts of the country.

He said this yesterday at Intercontinental Hotel in Lusaka when he graced a meeting held to discuss ways of controlling Fall Armyworm in Southern Africa.

Mr Katambo said over 176, 000 Zambian farmers were affected during the 2017/2018 farming season.

Mr Katambo warned that more farms would be infested by FAW if the situation was not addressed effectively.

He said development was expected to affect maize production and subsequently pause a threat on the country’s food security as many Zambians depended on the commodity.

The Minister called for collective effort in fighting FAW not only in Zambia but also in other affected African countries including Kenya and Uganda.

Mr Katambo said so far government had initiated measures aimed at managing the pest.

He revealed that a task team had already being established to spearhead the process.

He said government had also conducted training for the ministry of agriculture staff in FAW management.

Mr Katambo further reaffirmed government’s commitment to continue investing in technology to help in addressing FAW and also other challenges affecting the agriculture sector.