It is nearly impossible to eliminate fall armyworm pest from South Sudan, warns Representative of UN Food and Agriculture Organization or FAO in South Sudan.
Serge Tissot describes the pest as a significant blow to prospects of agricultural recovery in South Sudan.
He further warns the armyworm arrival is an additional challenge for South Sudan which is currently facing food crisis.
Experiences in three regional technical meetings on armyworm convened by FAO indicate difficulties that farmers are facing in controlling the pest.
Options for immediate response are limited, knowledge of control interventions is low, and costs are high, explains Lawrence Kedi, FAO Agriculture Officer.
The national government reported an outbreak of fall armyworm in Magwi, Yei and Juba, Northern Bahr el Gazal and parts of Jonglei area.
Fall armyworm is a new pest in Africa, preferring maize plants, but feeds on sorghum, millet, vegetables and other crops.
FAO and the Ministry of Agriculture will launch a strategy and awareness campaign to promote effective and efficient control interventions.
Partners also plan to set up control committees to strengthen national surveillance and monitoring systems.