Staff Reporter

Farmers have been urged to apply fertilizers correctly and remain vigilant against pests such as the fall armyworm and African armyworm to protect their crops and maximize yields.

Permanent Secretary in the,Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water And Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, said proper fertilizer application and pest control are crucial in boosting crop production. He emphasized the need for farmers to adopt the 4R approach to fertilizer use right source, right rate, right time, and right place to ensure crops receive essential nutrients while minimizing environmental harm.

“The key to successful farming lies in the appropriate application of fertilizers and regular scouting for pests. Farmers must be vigilant and take proactive measures to prevent pest infestations, especially from fall and African armyworms, which can cause significant crop damage,” said Professor Jiri.
Jiri stressed that timely pest control is necessary to prevent widespread destruction. He urged farmers to inspect their fields frequently and take immediate action when pests are detected.

“Farmers must take immediate action through the use of pesticides, crop rotation, and other integrated pest management techniques. Delays in pest control can result in severe crop losses, affecting both household food security and national grain reserves,” he said.

The fall armyworm and African armyworm have been major threats to crop production in recent years, attacking maize, sorghum, millet, and other staple crops. These pests can spread rapidly, devouring large sections of farmland if left unchecked.

Jiri also noted the importance of integrated pest management, encouraging farmers to combine different control strategies rather than relying solely on chemical pesticides. Crop rotation, biological control methods, and the use of pest-resistant crop varieties were recommended as sustainable approaches.

“Farmers should not rely solely on chemical pesticides to control pests. Integrated pest management is key, and this includes combining strategies like crop rotation, biological control methods, and using pest-resistant crop varieties,” he said.
Aside from pest control, Jiri highlighted the impressive progress made in the 2024/25 farming season. He revealed that farmers have achieved 100% of the planting target, covering 3,874,000 hectares.

“Maize leads with 1.8 million hectares planted, followed by sorghum at 418,000 hectares and pearl millet at 275,000 hectares. Other crops like sweet potatoes, sunflower, and soybeans continue to enrich our agricultural landscape,” he said.
By adopting these best practices, Jiri said, farmers can improve yields, strengthen food security, and contribute to the country's economic growth.