Second generation of army worms feared

The agricultural area affected by an invasion of army worms is now estimated at some 6,000 hectares, of which 3,000 have already been chemically treated, humanitarian sources said. The OCHA office in Kigali told IRIN that the rapid intervention of the government and FAO, combined with the favourable effect of the rains, had reduced the impact of the large-scale worm infestation in the country. Earlier estimates from the agriculture ministry had indicated that up to 100,000 hectares of agricultural land were at risk. In spite of the improved situation, there is concern about a potential second invasion of army worms at the end of the worms' next reproduction cycle in end-May or early June, which would pose a "serious threat" to crops during the June-September agricultural season, OCHA-Kigali said. Several donor and UN agency contributions have already been made towards a five-month emergency project aimed at combating the worms. The project includes spraying and control efforts, public information campaigns and training activities, OCHA said.