Mara regional authorities have appealed to the Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) to find a remedy for cassava diseases that are plaguing the region threatening the very livelihood of peasants.
Mara regional commissioner, John Tupa, met with scientists from COSTECH mid this week and appealed to them for their much needed expertise in creating disease resistant varieties of the crop.
The scientists are in the region to assess the effects of the Cassava Mosaic Disease (CMD) and Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD) which are reported to have paralyzed cassava production, reduced individual and family incomes and, caused major food insecurity in the region.
Tupa said almost every district in the region is hit by the diseases and in recent months the situation has been complicated by the emergence of the maize lethal necrosis (MLN) disease.
“The situation is bad. We have tried all means but failed. We cannot continue like this, our people have no food,” he lamented.
“We request the government, through COSTECH, to deploy scientists and researchers to address the problem,” Tupa said.Read More
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