Rwamagana farmers wary of unknown banana disease

RWAMAGANA- Banana growers in Munyiginya Sector, Rwamagana District have expressed worry over what they refer to as an unknown disease that has attacked their crop. Banana leaves in most plantations in the sector have yellowed and shown signs of withering. Faustin Munyagera, a farmer in Munyiginya sector, yesterday, told The Sunday Times that half of his two hectare banana plantation has been attacked. Munyagera said that efforts to control the disease by applying local methods have not been successful. He said he was bothered because banana farming is the only source of income for his family. “We are relying on speculation, some have told us that it was over application of fertilizers but it’s not. Agricultural officials have seen the issue and we are still waiting for action,” he said. Edward Mugabo, another farmer, said that the problem remains mysterious with no hope of reviving the crop. “My own plantation is alright, but my neighbours are indeed in great problems. It must be a disease not yet known to us as farmers and agricultural officers,’ he said. According to Valens Uwingeri, an agricultural officer in the neighbouring sector of Kigabiro, the effect is spreading fast. “We are afraid it may spread to other sectors...the effect may be greater than earlier anticipated. MINAGRI officials are in touch with the farmers and they could soon know the cause,” he said. The Mayor of Rwamagana District, Nehemie Uwimana, however, said that farmers shouldn’t be worried. He said that the issue was not disease as farmers have been labelling it, but lack of fertilizers in their farms. “Farmers should apply manure in their farms instead of relying on rumours as to what caused the disease. The yellowing is only due to lack of nutrients in the soils,” he said. Ends