Pest bites farmers’ earnings in Isiolo

A pest that attacks both potatoes and tomatoes threatens to wipe out the crops in Isiolo County unless urgent measures are taken to root out the menace.

Ministry of Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Felix Koskei, who visited the county over the weekend, said the national government will ensure it does not spread to other regions.

He said it would use surveillance systems to identify early infestation, issue warning systems and encourage controlled use of pesticides.

Mr Koskei said the government will use pheromone traps that have proved effective in killing male pests, hence thwarting reproduction.

This is the latest setback to a sector that generates Sh14 billion every year. The pest originated in South America, was discovered seven years ago and is reported to have devastating effects on the crops, leading to massive losses.

MASSIVE LOSSES

Isiolo tomato farmer Julius Muthamia says the pest has caused serious damage to his crop.

Farmers have, consequently, asked the government to subsidise the prices of pesticides and pheromone traps to make them affordable.

He said farmers had enjoyed two good seasons before the pest attacked the crops when they were just about to harvest, resulting in massive losses.

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