Armyworms attack Uganda farms
Uganda has confirmed an outbreak of fall armyworm, a hungry pest that has been devastating crops across southern Africa.
Agriculture Minister Vincent Sempijja said the caterpillar had been confirmed in 20 districts across the country.
Up to 40% of maize crops have been destroyed in the areas where the fall armyworm has spread.
In the first three areas armyworm spread to, more than 40% of maize crops have been destroyed, he added.
He says about one billion Ugandan shillings ($300,000; £240,000) has been set aside for an emergency response to the outbreak.
What is the fall armyworm?
The name is a bit misleading. It is not actually a worm, but a hungry caterpillar that eats crops before turning into a moth.
It is a new pest, not to be confused with the similarly named “African armyworm”, which has been present in the region for many years.
source:BBC
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