Experts have warned that this disease will have a long-term and devastating impact on banana farming, and that a crisis could arise if timely precautions are not taken.
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Experts have suggested to be cautious, saying that the deadly banana disease ‘Tropical Race-4 (TR-4),’ which is spreading rapidly around the world, has started putting Nepal under high risk.
Saying that this disease will have a long-term and devastating impact on banana cultivation, experts have warned that a crisis may arise if timely precautions are not taken .
Experts expressed grave concern about the risk of TR-4 at a capacity building program for stakeholders from Koshi and Madhesh provinces organized in Tharara, Sunsari on Wednesday. The program organized with the support of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) was attended by representatives from government agencies, research institutions, technical and agricultural sectors.
TR-4 is basically a disease caused by mold (fungus), which especially severely affects the ‘Cavendis’ variety of bananas. Its most dangerous aspect is that it spreads through the soil and can survive in the ground for years once infected. It gradually weakens the plant, drying it out and eventually destroying the crop completely.
According to experts, this disease, which was first seen in South Asia in 2019, has now spread to more than 19 countries. Its outbreak has caused huge economic losses in the world's major banana-producing countries. As banana cultivation expands in Nepal, the risk of the disease is also increasing.
Experts say that the possibility of TR-4 entering the country is high due to open borders, movement of agricultural products and weaknesses in biosecurity. Since the disease is easily transmitted through infected soil, shoes, agricultural equipment and vehicles, it can spread rapidly from one place to another if precautions are not taken. The most challenging aspect of TR-4 is that there is no effective treatment for it yet. Therefore, experts emphasize that prevention should be considered as the main measure.
Regular cleaning of equipment used in the field, control of movement from infected areas, and strengthening of the surveillance system immediately after the disease is identified have been suggested.
FAO's Madhesh Province Representative Vivek Acharya presented the work and experience being done by the organization in disease control and management at the program. In addition, a detailed discussion was held on the history of the disease, the epidemic situation, the economic impact and possible solutions.
Experts including Dr. Rajendra Darai, Director of the Directorate of Agricultural Research, Tharara, have said that banana farming in Nepal may be in crisis if effective steps are not taken in time. Pesticide management expert Bhojraj Sapkota, Dr. Hirakazi Manandhar and Senior Crop Protection Officer Shree Krishna Neupane also pointed out that an integrated effort is needed to control the disease.
They warned that coordination, vigilance and practical steps between the state, technicians and farmers are essential to prevent its spread, warning that the future of banana farming in Nepal may be at risk if timely awareness is not taken.
