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ARUSHA. — The invasion of pests have destroyed over 17,000 hectares of food and cash crops in Tanzania’s eastern district of Kilosa, authorities said on Sunday.

Tatu Kachenje, an agricultural officer in Kilosa District, said in an interview that pests, such as fall armyworms, rats and quelea birds, have mostly attacked maize, rice and cotton farms in the district.

“We are worried that some 27 wards in our district will experience a food shortage in coming months,” she said.

According to Kachenje, 16,531 hectares of maize have been destroyed by pests in 20 wards and another 625 hectares of paddy in two other wards. Paddy farms were invaded by quelea birds.

A total of 808 hectares of cotton were invaded by Jassid – a sucking pest. The pest injects toxins into leaves while feeding, resulting in abnormal changes in leaves.

“The early evaluation reports by experts indicate that maize harvests will drop to 100,354 tonnes as a result of the destruction of 16,531 hectares,” Kachenje said.

“We’ll experience a drop of 33,062 tonnes of maize in this harvest season,” she said, adding that pesticides have been distributed to control the insects.

The government, in collaboration with stakeholders, has continued to educate farmers on how to identify and control the pests, Kachenje said. — — Xinhua.