NYAMAGABE – Authorities in Nyamagabe district have halted the cultivation of Maracuja plant following a virus attack on the crop in different sectors of the district.

According to Emmanuel Murangwa, the district’s Vice Mayor in charge of economic affairs, the affected sectors will not be allowed to grow the crop for a period of two years.

And the district is now urging farmers to embark on the cultivation of other crops, including wheat, maize and other fruits under the crop intensification program.

"Experts say that it takes 2 years for the virus to be cleared out of the soil, so we are encouraging farmers to embrace other crops in this period,” he said.

A maracuja virus reported in the sectors of Mushubi, Musebeya and Nkomane has destroyed maracuja farms dealing a major blow to farmer’s quest of sustaining its share within the local and regional market.

The district has been producing about 240 tonnes of Maracuja a week.

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