Hebert Musiimenta, the Principal Agricultural Inspector in the Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries has stated that Ugandan growers should stop getting banana plantlets from districts in Western and North-West Uganda, in order to stop the spread of the Banana Bunchy Top Virus (BBTV) disease.
The Banana Bunchy Top Virus was first observed in the western Uganda districts in late 2020. In July this year, the Ministry raised the alarm when the disease caused havoc on banana plantations in West Nile, Rwenzori and Tooro regions.
The disease is spread by aphids and the planting of affected tubers; it has the capacity to wipe out banana gardens within 3 to 5 years unless farmers practice the control measures such as the proper destruction of affected stems, control of aphids, and planting clean materials.
Source: independent.co.ug