BY SAM KACHOPE
Agricultural Extension Workers from Lower Local Governments in Bukonzo County West, Kasese District have embarked on joint efforts to fight against the Banana Bunchy Top Virus (BBTV) which has left the general population to be stuck by hunger.
Code named the G8, the county is made up of six Sub- counties and two Town Councils which have since 2021 grappled with the tricky banana disease that has almost ruined all the plantations.
The development was revealed to Messiah Radio on Wednesday at one of the engagements largely supported by Solidlinks Initiative for Development held at Nyamambuka in Mpondwe-Lhubiriha Town Council
Stephen Muhindo Kuyamba, the Mpondwe-Lhubiriha Town Council AgriculturalExtension Worker who also doubles as the Coordinator for all the G8, disclosed that they had embarked on tipping farmers with all the possible ways on how to prevent the disease
Daphine Masika, the Assistant Extension Worker for Nyakiyumbu Sub-county revealed that no matter their endless efforts to fight against BBTV, they are frustrated by the farmers’ failure to turn up for some sensitization meetings.
Some of the farmers especially Mrs. Puliska Biira Bwambale, told Messiah Radio that the banana disease had left their families at stake of facing hunger whereas Frederick Masereka explained that they currently export food especially matooke from outside the district.
Edwin Mazima, the Programs Officer at Solid links Initiative for Development, stated that they had ventured in supporting communities from Bukonzo County West to address farmers’ challenges through their climate smart agricultural practices.
ENDS