Katakwi tomato farmers incur losses as Fusarium wilt attacks gardens

KATAKWI – Tomato farmers in Katakwi district are counting losses following the outbreak of Fusarium wilt disease that is ravaging their tomato gardens.

The farmers have been used to good years but this time they say the disease will bring about very poor yields.

John Robert Otim alias Jomo Kenyatta, a farmer from Amukurat village in Akobi village, Katakwi district said his two gardens of tomatoes have been affected by the disease in a short time.

“I expected to reap big this season to boost my income,” he said.

Fusarium wilt is caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. Its infection causes lesions on leaves, stems, and fruit citrus trees.

Fusarium wilt. Fusarium wilt on tomatoes is caused by Fusarium oxysporumsp. It usually appears on medium-aged or older plants that show the yellowing and wilting of the lower leaves. These symptoms then progress up the plant until the entire plant turns yellow and wilts.

“This is the first time we are having a double crisis: weather disappointment and Fusarium wilt outbreak,” Otim said.

Otim explained that said the tomatoes which would have been harvested between November last year and January, were wiped out by the pests.

“Most of us thought it was blight. We learned too late that it was Fusarium wilt. The pest has wiped away all our produce,” said Otim.

“There are very few farmers who have not been affected but soon they will be because the way it’s spreading is worrying.

Another farmer, Benjamin Okiror, a resident of Omodoi sub-county, also said his one acre of tomatoes have been affected by the disease.

“I have spent more than Shs 200, 000 on procurement of drugs and technical advice from experts, but no change, “Okiror said.

According to Okiror Fusarium wilt is resistant to all the available pesticides they are using, adding that buyers are now rejecting their produce due to the poor quality.

Max Okello, another farmer said he had invested a lot of money in buying pesticides but none has produced good results yet.

“I have increased the spraying routine for her garden but the pest invasion is just increasing”, revealed Okello.

He observed that farmers have registered total loss due to Fusarium wilt disease that attacked their tomato gardens this season.

Okello added that his business just like many of the other farmers this reporter spoke depends largely on loans, which they now fear they might be unable to pay back.

He is now seeking the help of agricultural extension workers to identify and find a lasting solution to the infestation.

The Katakwi district LCV chairperson Geoffrey Omolo, said: “The farmers have registered total loss due to disease that attacked their gardens of tomatoes this season.”

Omolo said he had directed the extension workers to carry out the assessment and see how best they can help the affected tomato farmers.

“The district leadership should also intervene and make an assessment by visiting the affected farms,” he said.

Meanwhile, James Elungat, the district agricultural officer said the disease, which struck last month, has left farmers in despair.

According to him, the Fusarium wilt in most cases is caused by heavy downpour and long drought.

“The biggest challenge is that even our farmers do not want to heed our technical advice to control the rapid spread of the disease,” he said.

Elungat said they have on several occasions encouraged farmers to adopt cultural practices to fight the disease burden but they had remained adamant.

“We have always encouraged farmers to bury the affected tomatoes and prune the affected leaves to fight the disease burden but they had remained adamant,” he said.

But we have embarked on monitoring in order to avert further destruction,” he said, adding that the most affected farmers had refused to spray their gardens.

https://thecooperator.news/govt-to-boost-surveillance-as-pests-and-diseases-show-resistance/

Buy your copy of thecooperator magazine from one of our country-wide vending points or an e-copy on emag.thecooperator.news