“Don’t Politicize Drought, Army Worms”
Agriculture Minister Michael Katambo says it is unfortunate that issues of drought and the outbreak of Fall Army Worms are politicized even when they are caused by nature.
Mr. Katambo says there is no need to put politics to issues of drought.
Mr. Katambo has expressed happiness that the maize crop in Kalomo District has recovered from the army worm attack after spraying with chemicals that government distributed to farmers.
He says the maize crop looks promising so far, and has urged farmers to keep praying for the rains to continue.
Mr. Katambo was speaking in Kalomo when he toured some maize fields.
And Acting Kalomo District Agricultural Coordinator, Dominic Mabumba said about 23,000 hectares of maize were affected by the Fall Army Worms in the district, but the crop has recovered after vigorous spraying.
Mr. Mabumba said the problem was initially severe due to the drought that occurred, but the pest was controlled after the rains started and spraying took effect.
And, Southern Province Agricultural Coordinator Dr. Max Choombe says the crop performance is promising in most districts in the region.