Editor,

The New Times, last week reported that Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) has announced the detection of Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD) in the region saying, at first it feared the disease would become an epidemic.

This is worrying for farmers and government should urgently commit funding to research, training, surveillance and other measures to help farmers and breeders bring it to an end.

According to research, the virus is affecting large parts of East Africa, especially the Great Lakes Region, putting a crucial source of food and income at risk.

Rwandans should, thus, work together to fight the spread of the disease. Mass sensistisation among farmers countrywide is vital so as to understand the nature of the disease and means to prevent it.

Dr Jean Pierre Musabyimana

Musanze