INFOGRAPHIC: Armyworm a severe threat to KZN rural farmers
The KZN Department of Agriculture says there has been an unexpected development in the infestation of the fall armyworm in the province.
The department says the worm - which has now spread to the fifth district of Zululand - is spreading more rapidly than expected.
The worm - which is known to eat away at crops and vegetation - has been described as a threat to food security.
ALSO READ: KZN officials on alert should fall armyworm affect sugarcane
It was first detected in the province almost two months ago.
Spokesperson for the department, Khaye Nkwanyane, has added that the worm is affecting rural subsistence farmers.
"It has extended to your rural communities in the area of Mandlangazi, and it's now affecting their crops - of which they are just farming maize for the purpose of consumption. Those are people who can't even afford buying chemicals - so government is really going full-swing in assisting them 100%," he said.
Learn more about the armyworm invasion in our infographic:
