By Melanie Aanyu

Government has procured 23,000litres of pesticides to fight the menacing African armyworm that has ravaged crops in several districts in the country.

This was revealed by the Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja yesterday (Thursday), while presenting a statement on the Floor of Parliament on the invasion of the African armyworm.

According to Nabbanja, the invasion of the African armyworm has spread to over 40 districts and is causing massive destruction of crops and threatening the livelihoods of the people in those affected districts.

The affected districts include Mukono, Wakiso, Katakwi, Bukedea, Mityana, Kiryandongo, Lowero, Nakapiripirit, Bulambuli, Oyam, Kiruhura, and Nwoya among others.

The most affected crops include; maize, millet, sorghum, wheat, sugar cane as well as pastures.

Nabbanja has advised the affected farmers to spray the caterpillars with Cypermethrin 5EC .

She added that the ministry has so far acquired 100 motorised pumps and 200 sets of protective gear for use in the affected districts.

The Opposition Chief Whip, John Baptist Nambeshe, said that whereas he appreciates government’s support the equipment and protective gear may not be sufficient to serve the affected districts.