Zambia leader orders urgent operation against pests attacking maize fields

Zambian President Edgar Lungu on Wednesday ordered an emergency operation to curb the spread of army worms and other pests that have invaded maize fields in some parts of the country and were threatening crop yields.

Pests have invaded fields in four of the country's 10 provinces with large swathes of farms affected so far, a move that threatens the country's food security if not contained.

The Zambian leader has ordered the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit to join the Ministry of Agriculture in a major operation to curb the spread of the pests, according to a statement released by his office.

Lungu has also directed the country's air force to begin airlifting chemicals to the parts of the country affected by the pests.

According to the Zambian leader, the chemicals that have been purchased under emergency operations should be distributed to all parts of the country to ensure that the pests are contained.

The Zambian leader has expressed concern that if the outbreak was not contained, it may negatively affect the crop yield for the 2016/2017 agricultural season.

All District Agriculture Coordinating Officers have since been directed to closely monitor the operations against the pests and provide regular reports on the situation. Endit