The Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) has discovered a new disease that attacks banana plants thus reducing their production.

Banana bunchy top virus (BBTV) disease has been discovered in some districts of Uganda and neighbouring countries of Rwanda, Tanzania and Congo.

According to Mr Joab Tugume, a Senior Agricultural Inspector in charge of plant Quarantine and Import Regulation under the Department of Crop inspection and certification (MAAIF), the disease was confirmed in 2020 in districts of Arua, Kasese, Zombo; and are now undertaking a survey on its spread.

Tugume added that an infected plant presents severe stunting, narrow leaves, chlorotic leaf margins, and dark green streaks on petioles and midribs.