Residents of Igoji area in Meru will have to bear with desert locusts that continue to devour crops and vegetation as the government’s focus is on dealing with hatchlings.
During a visit at the area, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya said the government will not waste pesticides on the locusts at the area as were mature and the damage they would cause was negligible.
“The locusts have already turned yellow and cannot cause much damage on the crops. We will let them die naturally rather than spraying them,” Mr Munya said.
The government, he said, will instead of spraying the yellow (mature) locusts wait until the laid eggs start hatching into nymphs.
South Imenti MP Kathuri Murungi said the invasion continued to spread fear and panic among the residents who have started incurring huge losses which could in the long run threaten food security.
“We will much appreciate even if its light aerial spraying of the locusts wreaking havoc on trees, grass and crops,” the MP said.
Residents of the area lashed out at the CS saying he did not understand the plight they were going through.
“How sure is he that the locusts will die when they continue feasting on our crops?” posed Charles Mugambi.
