Armyworms and drought are now threatening crops in South Sudan’s Aweil State, a government official in charge of agriculture said.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Wednesday, Joseph Garang Garang, Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture in Aweil said that the outbreak of armyworms in the last two months affected this year’s production, especially the state’s staple food.

The official further said the drought also could cause loss in crops in the areas of Arroyo, Barmayen and Chimel.

The armyworm got its name because the invasive species travels in "armies" and consumes everything in its path.