A deadly banana disease has attacked plantations in Nyagatare district.

The Banana Xanthomonas wilt commonly known as “Kirabiranya has attacked all sectors of Nyagatare District.

There is a need to involve local leaders to mobilize the communities so that large control measures can be implemented as soon as possible.

The Rwanda Agriculture Board has visited residents of Gitenga cell of Kiyombe Sector to sensitize them on how to fight the banana disease.

Dr Svetlana Gaitashova, in charge of banana plantations at RAB has asked Citizens to cut and uproot the affected banana plants as well as providing timely information when new infections occur in the area.

Muganwa Stanley, the Vice-Mayor of Economics and development in Nyagatare District has said that farmers do not provide timely information when their banana plants are attacked fearing that affected bananas may be uprooted.

Banana Xanthomonas Wilt is characterized by yellowing and wilting of banana leaves, shriveling of male buds, premature ripening and internal yellowing of fruits.