Farmers in Karambi Sub County, Kasese District are counting losses following the reoccurrence of the Banana Bunchy Top Virus (BBTV) disease.
The disease was first detected in Kasese in 2021 in five sub-counties; Bwera, Isango, Karambi, Nyakiyumbu, and Kitholhu.
An infected plant presents with severe stunting, narrow leaves, chlorotic leaf margins, and dark green streaks on petioles and midribs.
Moris Muhindo an extension worker for Karambi Sub County says the disease is threatening the livelihood of the local community since it largely depends on bananas for food and income. He adds more than 90% of the households in the sub-county are affected by the disease.
Bosco Mughendabeyi, a farmer says he has applied all the basic practices including eliminating the affected bananas from his plantation but the disease continues to spread. He appeals for the intervention of the government.
Adam Mbusa another farmer says he has been contemplating on cutting his plantation seeing that he no longer makes money out of his 2 acres of banana plantation.
He adds that it is becoming difficult for him to meet his family’s needs since has he no better alternative source of income.
The National Agricultural Research Organization confirmed an outbreak of the banana bunchy top virus in Kasese district.
This plant disease is said to have originated from the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo-DRC.
Julius Rukara, the Kasese district Principal Agricultural Officer says they are carrying out sensitization notably discouraging farmers from getting planting materials from DRC.
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