Tackle armyworms to avert food shortage

Fall armyworm. [File, Standard]

The agriculture sector is grappling with serious challenges that need to be addressed urgently. It is worrying that the fall armyworm menace is back, and what is worse, at a time when the country is just emerging from a prolonged dry spell.

Already, farmers, especially those in bread basket areas of Rift Valley and Western Kenya, are facing numerous problems, including high cost of inputs. Combined with dry weather, the fall armyworms have added to their woes, posing a serious threat to the country's food security. This is an unenviable position for a country to be in during an election year.