The Central and West African Virus Epidemiology for Root and Tuber Crops has launched a sensitisation campaign for cassava farmers in Kebbi to curb the spread of a new cassava mosaic virus across Africa.

The sensitisation programme was held on Tuesday at the Tungar Noma community in Argungu LGA. The aim is to educate farmers on how the virus affects cassava plantations and threatens food security.

Addressing the farmers, the centre’s country director, Ibrahim Umar, said WAVE, in collaboration with Abdullahi Fodio University of Science and Technology, Aliero, had established six demonstration plots across the North-West and North-East.

The demonstration plots, he said, were meant to boost cassava productivity and improve disease management in the regions.

“We already have cassava mosaic disease in Nigeria, but there are about 11 other cassava diseases across Africa, especially in East Africa, that are gradually spreading westward.

“The most dangerous among them is the East African Cassava Mosaic Disease-Uganda variant. The disease is highly devastating because affected farmers may harvest nothing.

“It has already been reported in some West African countries, though not yet in Nigeria,” he added.

Mr Umar explained that the engagement was designed to involve farmers in the centre’s disease-monitoring process, particularly in reporting unusual symptoms observed on their farms.

“We have shared phone numbers and distributed flyers containing pictures of disease symptoms so that farmers can quickly report any suspicious signs for prompt response,” he said.

Mr Umar warned that Nigeria remains the world’s largest cassava producer, stressing that if the virus enters the country, the impact could be catastrophic.
According to him, early detection and rapid response are key to preventing the virus’s spread.

Mr Umar noted that the sensitisation campaign is already yielding results, as some farmers have begun contacting the centre through the provided phone numbers whenever they notice unusual symptoms on their cassava plants.

(NAN)