NATIONAL NEWS - As Southern African Development Community (SADC) leaders meet over the fall armyworm and other pests, the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (AO) says the aim of the gathering is to assess the damage and discuss emergency plans.
Zambia, Malawi and Zimbabwe were among the first countries to report the presence of the insect which eats away at staple crops such as maize, potatoes and sorghum.
Agriculture economists have warned that farmers are already under strain due to the drought and food security could be at further risk if this is not dealt with soon.
This week Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Senzeni Zokwana visited farms in Limpopo believed to be affected by the armyworm to assess its impact and damage on crops.
