Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute

The Director General of  Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) Dr. Geoffrey Mkamilo recently visited Buhigwe district in Kigoma Region assess the effects of the Banana disease that was previously reported in  Burundi and Rwanda known as the Banana Bunchy Top Virus (BBTV) and strategize  measures and solutions to control the disease.

During the visit, the Director General was accompanied by a team of banana experts and researchers including  Dr. John Saria  Centre Manager, TARI Maruku,  Dr Mpoki Shemwela Centre Manager for TARI Tengeru, and  Dr. Filson  Kagimbo, Centre Director for TARI Kihinga. The TARI delegation met with the Acting Director of Buhigwe District Council Dr. Themistocles Kamugisha and the District Agriculture Officer (DAICO) Mr. Weisy Wikedzi to discuss strategies TARI is taking to control  the BBTV disease. Among initial steps taken by TARI  since the  outbreak of the banana disease in Buhigwe district, TARI banana experts visited three villages of  Mnanila, Mwayaya and Buhigwe to take samples and which were then analysed in  laboratory. The analysis confirmed the presence of Banana Bunchy Top Virus disease (BBTV).

The Director-General stated this was a follow up  visit to monitor the spread of the disease and to put in place effective strategies to eradicate the disease. He explained that among the initial steps to be taken is to educate Agricultural Extension  Officers to understand the symptoms of the disease, to remove infected bananas and to plant disease resistant resistant varieties provided by  TARI.  He noted further that, TARI has already  provided Buhigwe District Council with banana seedlings which are from disease resistant varieties from TARI Maruku research center. 

During the visit, the Director General handed over 220 banana seedlings of five disease-resistant bananas varieties namely TARIBan1, TARIBan2, TARIBan3, TARIBan4 and Fhia with the aim to increase seedlings multiplication for distribution to farmers as a measure to combat the disease.

For his part, the Acting District Executive Director of Buhigwe District Council thanked TARI leadership for the steps and pledged to co-operate in ensuring that the disease is eradicated.