Fall armyworm infestation threatens Zambezi harvests

Map of Zambezi region

Farmers in the Zambezi region are fighting a devastating outbreak of fall armyworm, which is destroying maize fields and jeopardising this season’s harvest. The Ministry of Agricultural, Water, and Land Reform has acknowledged the situation, saying that intervention will depend on the availability of pesticides.

The infestation, however, is not confined to maize crops alone, raising concerns about the broader impact on regional food security.

Speaking to Future Media news on the issue, Zambezi Governor Lawrence Sampofu highlighted the severity of the outbreak:

“We received a lot of rain in January, so most farmers ploughed their fields and planted crops. But from last week, every farmer has been attacked by these pests. They are so bad that nothing will grow because they eat directly from the stalks.”

Governor Sampofu urged patience from farmers, adding that the Ministry of Agriculture is expected to address the problem soon.

Governor of the Zambezi Region

Looking ahead, the Governor noted the potential for more rainfall in the coming weeks, which could exacerbate the infestation.

“We might experience even more of these pests with the expected rains,” he cautioned.

Farmers across the region remain on edge as they await government intervention to curb the destruction.