Government has embarked on an exercise of spraying pesticides in fields with an aim of preventing and eliminating African and Fall armyworms.

The ministry of agriculture spokesperson Hamilton Chimala disclosed this in an interview with YFM saying they have sent adequate pesticides to Agriculture Development Divisions (ADDs) and Extension Planning Areas (EPAs).

Chimala told YFM that all the fields that are at risk of being attacked by fall army worms or African worms are being sprayed with relevant pesticides.

He added that farmers are being advised to consult agriculture extension workers or call their toll free number if they face any challenge identifying the right pesticides for their farms

The spokesman also commended farmers for alerting them whenever they notice signs of fall army worms attack on their fields.

He further assured the nation of government’s commitment in ensuring that the country is food secure.

In 2017 President Peter Mutharika declared 20 of the country’s 28 districts disaster areas following an invasion by fall armyworms.

The pests destroyed the crops of nearly 140,000 farming families.