Bungoma County has partnered with Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) to roll out a control drive of the fall Armyworms infestation of maize plantations in Bungoma.
The three years partnership aims to reduce crop yield loss, enhance food security, increase production and eradicate poverty and hunger for the betterment of Bungoma residents.
Bungoma Deputy Governor Janepher Mbatiany hailed the collaborative ties between FAO and Bungoma as timely and a great relief to farmers amid the planting season.
Speaking in a deliberative meeting with the FAO delegation led by the Director of Plant Production and Protection, Mr Jingyan Xia at the County offices said the partnership will offer farmers a solution to the continuous infestation of the fall armyworms.
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“The Fall armyworm knows no boundaries and is continuing to wreak havoc on crops, inflicting more costs, causing serious damage to food production and affecting thousands of farmers. This partnership will offer farmers hope and solution as they plant their crops,” she observed.
Mbatiany reaffirmed the County Government's commitment to empowering farmers, assuring sustainability, and connecting technical partners to provide direct access to farmers in the field to science-based management methods.
The most recently severely struck locations in Bungoma County, according to records in the county agriculture department, were Bumula and Kanduyi, where farmers suffered losses in their maize and bean plantations.
According to the report, Mt Elgon Sub County, which houses Mt Elgon National Park and acts as the food basket for the Western region as well as one of the country's five water towers, was also impacted.
Additionally, the report states that trees, Napier grass, maize, beans and millet were affected leading to poor livestock production like milk, and meat due to poor feeds and affected feeds.
Further, it recommended a need for quick intervention to save human beings, animals and the water tower when it comes to food security.
The County Government through Mabanga ATC has allocated eight acres of land, which will be managed by the county Department of Agriculture in managing the demo plots.
County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Monicah Fedha was present at the meeting.
