Fall armyworm tops agenda at national agriculture conference
Different stakeholders are expected to meet in Johannesburg this Thursday to discuss the fall armyworm breakout that started affecting some SADC regions late 2016 and South Africa in 2017.
Even though South Africa has managed to control the outbreak, this upcoming meeting aims at focusing on response actions and plans for the 2017/18 agricultural season and also identify policy issues that will inform the response in the short, medium and long-term.
Spokesperson for KZN's Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Khayelihle Nkwanyana says the scourge of the armyworm had a bad impact on the economy when it was first detected in the country in January.
The fall armyworm is a pest that can damage and destroy a wide variety of crops. If not detected and controlled early, the worm will eat away at crops and vegetation and affect food supply.
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Nkwanyana explains how departments around the country managed to keep the breakout under control.
From 30 November to 1 December, the Food and Agriculture Organization along with Southern Africa fall armyworm stakeholders will give an update on the armyworm situation, explain challenges and discuss preparedness plans for the upcoming year.