Farmers in Kamwezi Sub County, Kabale District are battling a strange pest that affects groundnuts. Kashekye, Mpororo, Rwenzaza, Rwamatunguru, Kyabuhangwa, Rwenyangye and Kibanda sub counties are most affected.
According to the farmers, the black pest feeds on leaves and ground nuts stems. In the process of feeding, the pest injects a powerful toxin into the plant, which affects its growth.
Janet Mukandinda, a farmer from Rwenzaza Sub County, says the pest has affected his three acre groundnuts garden. Mukandinda is worried that she may not harvest anything since the pest has affected her entire garden.
Oath Ajuna, another affected farmer from Rwamatunguru Sub County says the pest has also started attacking beans. Ajuna says that the pest was first noticed in the neighboring Rwanda where it spread from to their gardens.
James Mugarura, the Rwenyagye Parish Chief says despite the efforts by the farmers to spray the pest, it has remained persistent. Mugarura says raises food security fears in the area, unless the agriculture ministry intervenes.
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Beda Mwebesa, the Director of Production and Marketing Kabale District department, says his office has not received any report about the strange pest. He has promised to follow up the matter with the agriculture office for intervention.
