BY ZALIMON BASIGHALHA (GOOD LUCK)
At least 97% of the banana plantations in Karambi Sub-county, Bukonzo County West in Kasese district are affected by the Banana Bunchy Top Virus Disease (BBTV).
The Sub-county Agricultural Extension Worker, Mr. Moris Muhindo made the revelation yesterday while addressing a delegation from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries and other development partners during a three – day study tour for smallholder farmers on Banana Bunchy Top Virus Disease in Karambi sub-county and Mpondwe-Lhubiriha Town Council.
Banana Bunchy Top Virus is a plant virus transmitted by a small black insect called the banana aphid. The virus leads to stunting of banana plants.
Muhindo told the delegation that the farmers in the area started spotting the virus in their gardens in May 2021 and it has continuously become a threat to banana production.
Mr. Anatosi Bwambale, a farmer from Mirami I village who was the first person to detect the virus in his eight – acre banana plantation told the delegation that this was after River Lhubiriha had flooded in his garden and caused havoc.
Mr. Bosco Mughendabeyi, the Vice Chairperson for St. Joseph Kisolholho Roman Catholic Church demonstration farm, also testified that despite applying all the preventive measures, the church’s farm could not be spared from the virus.
Ms Lasperina Mbambu, a resident of Kisanga Village, decried the prevalence of the virus in their gardens.
Mr. Julius Rukara, the Kasese District Principal Agricultural Officer, told the delegation that at least 90% of the banana plantations in the eight lower local governments in Bukonzo County West are affected by the virus because of their proximity with DR- Congo.
ENDS