By James Innocent
Authorities in Yei River County have raised concerns over a growing infestation of variegated grasshoppers affecting farmlands across several payams, with Mugwo Payam reported among the hardest-hit areas.
The County Department of Agriculture stated that the infestation poses a serious threat to crop production and food security.
The situation has prompted an urgent appeal to the State Ministry of Agriculture and development partners to intervene and support containment efforts.
Speaking on the situation, Asiki Moses, Acting Commissioner for Agriculture in Yei River County, called for coordinated support to help contain the spread of the insects and protect agricultural livelihoods.
According to county agriculture officials, the pests have spread to several farming communities, raising fears of significant crop damage during the current planting season.
Authorities have also advised residents to exercise caution during food preparation and handling in affected areas, warning that accidental contamination by the insects could present health risks if not properly managed.
While local control measures have been initiated, agricultural officials acknowledged that current interventions remain limited and have yet to effectively contain the infestation.
Reacting to the situation, Emmanuel Anur, a concerned resident of Yei River County, described the outbreak as a major challenge for local farmers.
“This is a huge challenge for our farmers, particularly in Mugwo and in most parts of Yei. This calls for more concerted efforts,” Anur said.
He warned that if urgent action is not taken, the infestation could have effects similar to previous desert locust invasions that severely disrupted farming activities and threatened food production in the region.
The agriculture department is now calling on community leaders, farmers, and humanitarian partners to intensify awareness and prevention measures to protect farmlands and safeguard the county’s agricultural productivity.
Juma Joseph, a farmer in Ronyi Boma, expressed that the insects appear to be toxic to both humans and crops.
He urged swift action, including the application of insecticides, to eradicate the pests.