Armyworm affects over 140 acres of maize gardens

Farmers in Amuru and Nwoya districts are counting losses after over 140 acres of maize gardens were destroyed by armyworms.

The affected areas include Kaladima Prisons farm, in Lamogi sub-county in Amuru district.

Speaking during the launch of the exercise aimed at spraying the maize plantations against the worms on Tuesday, Acwa River Regional Prisons Commander Allan Okello said farmers will get low yields if the worms are not fought.

Amuru District Production Officer Godfery Obina says the district had bought one litter of striker pesticide at the start to spray gardens.

Patrick Oryema, a 45-year-old farmer in Kaladima village said the army worm has affected his two acres of maize garden.

Oryema said he the sticker pesticide was too expensive for him to purchase. 

The Coordinator of the Operation Wealth Creation Program in Acholi sub region Colonel Francis Achoka Ongom   said army worms spread very fast since the maggots mature into butterflies that can fly covering up to two kilometres with wind blows.

He said the worms originated from South America and later spread into African continent and eventually it has reached Uganda.