Fight army worms to curb hunger


A report that presence of army worms in maize farms is likely to lower production in the country is disheartening. The government must take this matter seriously as it may open room for famine. This report should enable stakeholders to find ways that will help curb famine as well as the abnormal increase in the price of maize flour as has been the case.

This can be achieved through an early start by purchasing maize and other grains that are at risk of attack from counties that have plenty. As this goes on, the Ministry of Agriculture should work on ways to eradicate the worms. Joseph Macharia, Maasai Mara University

The government could use helicopters (like other countries do) to spray acaricides on farms to save maize farming - the country's staple food from army worms. The cost of worm control is costly and many farmers cannot afford it.

The agriculture ministry should assist hapless farmers fight off these worms and protect other regions from encountering the same problem. Agricultural officers should teach farmers how to identify signs and symptoms of the worm's attack and how to protect their crops from its ravages. This is one of the ways of eradicating hunger from a society that is already hungry. Nehemiah Kinyua, Maseno