GULU – The Gulu District Production Department has raised concerns about a potential resurgence of cassava mosaic and brown streak diseases. This warning comes after it was discovered that farmers in the area have been planting cassava stems that are already affected by these diseases.
The cassava mosaic and brown streak diseases are serious threats to cassava crops, which are a staple food in the region. These diseases can lead to significant yield losses, affecting food security and the livelihoods of many farmers.
John Okello, the head of the Gulu District Production Department, explained the gravity of the situation. “We have observed that some farmers are planting cassava stems that are already infected with cassava mosaic and brown streak diseases. This practice is likely to cause a major outbreak, which could devastate our cassava crops,” he said.
Okello emphasized the importance of using disease-free planting materials. He urged farmers to obtain their cassava stems from certified sources to prevent the spread of these diseases. “It is crucial that farmers only use clean, healthy cassava stems for planting. This is the most effective way to control and prevent the spread of these diseases,” he added.
The district’s agricultural officers have been tasked with educating farmers about the dangers of using diseased planting materials. They are also distributing information on how to identify symptoms of cassava mosaic and brown streak diseases, so farmers can take immediate action if they suspect their crops are infected.
One of the affected farmers, Peter Otim, expressed his worries. “I was not aware that the stems I planted were diseased. Now I am concerned about my entire crop. I hope the agricultural officers can help us get better planting materials,” he said.
The Gulu District Production Department is also working on a plan to distribute disease-free cassava stems to farmers. This initiative aims to replace the infected plants and prevent the outbreak from spreading further.
In addition to these efforts, the department is collaborating with research institutions to find more resistant cassava varieties. These new varieties would be less susceptible to the mosaic and brown streak diseases, providing a long-term solution to the problem.
The potential outbreak of cassava diseases is a serious issue that requires immediate attention. The Gulu District Production Department has said it is committed to supporting farmers and ensuring that they have the necessary resources and knowledge to protect their crops.
The department added that it will will continue to monitor the affected areas and provide updates to the public with the stated goal “to prevent a widespread outbreak and safeguard the cassava crops”, which are vital for the food security and economic stability of the Northern region.
