BANANA DISEASE OUTBREAK RAISES CONCERN AS AUTHORITIES HALT IMPORTS

By AMBROSE KWERONDA

KABALE

Farmers in Western Uganda have been advised to stop importing banana plants from neighbouring countries where the banana bunchy top virus has erupted.

The warning was issued during a two-day meeting organized by the Uganda Revenue Authority, Border Traders, and Trademark Africa through the Ministry of East African Community Affairs was held at the White Horse Inn in Makanga, Kabale District.

Mr. Ronald Asiimwe, a senior Agricultural Inspector from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries, who was one of the guest speakers revealed that the disease has affected four East African countries: Rwanda, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Burundi.

Asiimwe mentioned that in Rwanda, farmers have already started planting alternative crops due to the impact of the disease on banana plantations which has affected their banana plantation.

According to Asiimwe, when the banana bunchy top virus affects banana plantations, it takes approximately three months for the entire plantation to be destroyed.

He said that the decision to halt banana plant imports from affected countries is part of a broader strategy to protect Uganda’s banana industry, which is a significant contributor to the country’s economy. By taking proactive measures, farmers and the government aim to safeguard the livelihoods of thousands of people who depend on banana cultivation for their income.

Asiimwe says the signs and symptoms of banana bract mosaic virus, which include green or red-brown streaks or spindle-shaped lesions on the leaf stalks and sometimes on the midribs of new banana leaves. Chlorotic (pale yellow or yellow-white) streaks can also appear on the bunch stems and fingers.

He noted that some districts in Uganda are already affected, and other districts in the Kigezi Region are at high risk of being affected.

Asiimwe urged farmers to inform veterinary officers if they notice symptoms in their banana plantations. He recommended mixing water and soap to create a spray solution as a control measure.