The Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development Aggrey Massi made the call in Blantyre during the sensitization campaign with stakeholders from the Southern Region.

“I would like to call for support from various people at district level to reach out to all farmers and stakeholders who need more information and encouragement in the midst of this problem. The worm destroys crops at different stages and substantially reduces yield and production,” appealed the Deputy Minister.

Massi observed that fall army worms have destroyed more crops this year than any other. He therefore said the Ministry will do everything possible to protect crops from fall army worms this winter season.

“To help curb this problem, farmers that can afford their own pesticides should come to the Ministry for advice on how best they can treat their crops,” said Massi.

Controller of Agriculture, Extension and Technical Services Albert Changaya also said the Ministry is doing all it can to find lasting solution to the outbreak that have damaged an estimated 140,000 hectares of crops.

Meanwhile, developmental partners have pumped in the sum of K500 Million in the fight against Armyworms that have attacked crops in various districts of the country and the moey will be channeled to the Pheromone Trap Project which allows researchers use sheets with sticky substances scented with female moth to attract and trap the male moth and minimise mating.