Mysterious Insect Threatens Corn Harvest in Rusizi District

RUSIZI, Rwanda - December 7, 2025 - Corn farmers in the Bugarama Valley, Rusizi District, are raising alarm over a strange insect infestation attacking maize crops ahead of harvest, raising fears of major losses this season.

Farmers report that the insect penetrates the corn cob, causing the grain to rot before harvest. “It cuts the cob in half and the maize rots immediately,” said Marie Rose Mukabera, a farmer with 40 years of experience, who noted the pest has appeared in the area over the past two years.

Another farmer, Julienne Kabagwira, said delayed rains worsen the infestation, calling for government support to provide pesticides and spraying equipment, as manual control has proven ineffective.

Bugarama Sector Executive Secretary Daniel Ndamyimana confirmed that local authorities are working with agricultural officers to urgently secure pesticides from RAB and organize a community spraying exercise to protect the crops.