EDITORIAL: Address plight of cassava farmers urgently

Farmers who invested millions in growing cassava are counting losses after an outbreak of a disease which has destroyed hectares of cassava plantations in the country and Ruhango District in particular. The situation on the ground is dire and requires urgent attention because cassava is not only a staple food, but is also a source of income for many Rwandans. Also, most of the affected farmers had borrowed money from banks with some borrowing up to a tune of Rwf12 million. It is frustrating for the farmers, because in the past they suffered a similar fate following an outbreak of streak disease (CBSD), locally known as ‘Kabore’, which forced the Agriculture ministry to introduce a new cassava variety in February this year. But the new variety, which had been described as disease resistant, has also brought misery to the farmers. The new cassava variety, procured from Uganda, was given to farmers and planted in February this year, but hardly before the farmers could get over their bad past experience, disaster has struck again. Who was responsible for the procurement of the new variety which has also turned out to be a thorn in the lives of the farmers? The Agriculture ministry should look for a solution to the problem and help the farmers get back on their feet. Financial institutions that gave farmers loans should also be considerate and give a grace period to these farmers instead of going after them to make their lives more miserable. About seven million cuttings were planted on an estimated 700 hectares countrywide, with Ruhango District having the highest fraction of 343 hectares. Ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rwanda Agriculture Board to address the issue notwithstanding, more should be done to fix the issue urgently, especially educating farmers on how best to manage the current situation.

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EDITORIAL: Address plight of cassava farmers urgently