Teso Region Struggles with Persistent Cassava Brown Streak Virus
Local council chairpersons from various districts in Teso are grappling with the devastating effects of the Cassava Brown Streak Disease Virus (CBSD), which has ravaged households in the region. CBSD causes cassava tubers to rot, resulting in significant losses for farmers.
In Katakwi district, over 50 cassava gardens have been affected, according to Robert Osekeny, LC1 chairperson of Aleles cell. Despite reporting the issue to sub-county and district leaders, no solution has been found.
Farmers in Soroti district have observed wrinkled leaves on affected cassava plants and are attempting to salvage the situation by heaping potatoes. However, local council chairperson Simon Erongu warns of an impending famine due to food shortages in the coming months.
David Outa, a farmer from Bukedea district, urges the government to provide aid to affected farmers and treat the diseased cassava. He also decries the low prices of cassava, currently ranging from 200 to 300 shillings per kilogram.
Charles Ocung, a farmer from Kalaki district, emphasizes the need for government assistance in providing clean cassava cuttings to combat the virus.
Moses Okello Echeku, the Acting District Agricultural Officer in Soroti, advises farmers to use cassava cuttings from clean gardens and seek help from extension workers to avert the disease.
