Fall Armyworm Photo: Foundation for Arable Research
The whole of Fiji has been declared a biosecurity emergency area for fall armywarm, a type of moth (and larvae).
Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) was detected at a maize farm in Nadi.
The insect is a significant pest for crops like maize and sweetcorn.
Fiji's Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Vatimi Rayalu, visited two affected farms in Uciwai, Nadi, last month.
He said fall armyworm is an enemy to Fiji's agricultural production.
"It jeopardizes our food security, farmer livelihoods, and national economic growth," he said.
"This threat must be dealt with through all means possible - from scientific control methods to grassroots community action."
The Biosecurity Authority of Fiji, Sugar Research Institute of Fiji and the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways have been leading the response.
The response includes field surveillance, awareness sessions for farmers, and deployment of control measures where necessary.
Rayalu emphasized that fighting the pest requires full participation from everyone involved in agriculture.
"We are mobilizing resources and technical support, but success depends on every farmer, extension officer, and stakeholder playing their part."
The ministry is urging all farmers to remain vigilant, report any signs of infestation, and adopt recommended control strategies without delay.
The pest, which can munch its way through more than 350 plant species, is believed to have blown over to New Zealand from Australia after a cyclone in early 2022.
After a year of battling the pest, the Ministry for Primary Industries and industry partners agreed in 2024 to close the response and shift the focus to long-term management.
