Lack of funding hampers eradication of fall armyworm

The Minister of agriculture says efforts to control an infestation of the fall armyworm are being hampered by a lack of financing.

Onyoti Adigo says a 14-member committee formed to combat the pests has been trained and is waiting for the money needed to start work on the ground.

Onyoti Adgo says partners including the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation have also pledged support.

The recently approved national budget does not reflect 68 mln SSP requested by the ministry of agriculture for armyworm control.

The pests have ravaged large swathes of gardens in the Equatoria region, Northern Bahr el Gazal and parts of the Jonglei area.

In this interview Onyoti tells Philip Wani that funding is their main hindrance.