Jose Abelardo Mai, Minister of Agriculture in Belize, emphasizes the importance of readiness against Fusarium Wilt TR4, a soilborne banana disease currently affecting South America. Given its presence in Colombia, Peru, and Venezuela, the expectation is that it will eventually spread throughout Central America, including Guatemala and Belize. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise (MAFSE) is actively updating its contingency response plan against TR4, considering agriculture's critical role in Belize's economy alongside tourism, with bananas being a key agricultural export.
During the Fusarium TR4 Workshop and Simulation Exercise hosted by BANA, OIRSA, and Taiwan-ICDF at Dream Valley Resort, Mai highlighted the exploration of alternative management practices, including biosafety measures and the use of resistant varieties. The event saw participation from stakeholders across the board, aiming to raise national awareness and prepare for the disease's potential arrival.
Efforts to prevent the disease's spread are paramount, with OIRSA's representative, Fermin Blanco, affirming the regional commitment to containment. The collaboration with Taiwan ICDF and the development of the TR4 resistant Formosana banana variety were noted as significant steps forward. The University of Belize's President, Dr. Vincent Palacio, expressed concerns about the disease's impact on the Garifuna diet, underscoring the importance of the simulation exercises for preparedness.
Source: breakingbelizenews.com