A campaign to plant more disease resistant cassava has been launched in Kibaale district.

Presiding over the launch in Nyanswiga village, Mugarama sub-county on Friday, the district production officer, Peter Sentayi, urged farmers to adhere to the advice given to them during the campaign.

"Most of our cassava has been destroyed by the brown streak disease. That is why we are launching this campaign," he said.

Sentayi said farmers have a tendency of sticking to old agricultural practices yet change is inevitable in agriculture.

The new cassava has stood the test of time and its yield is high, Sentayi said.

He said Kibaale district agriculture and production department will support farmers through the National Agricultural Advisory Services.

The cassava variety campaign is sponsored by African Farm Radio Research initiative in conjunction with Kagadi Kibaale Community Radio, a local FM radio station in Kibaale.

Emily Arayo, the programme officer of the research initiative, said farmers will be given an opportunity to ask extension staff their concerns about the cassava.

Sentayi appealed to the farmers to utilise the radio to improve their livelihood.

The campaign will also integrate information communication technologies and market information in cassava production.

Ismael  Kasooha

Friday 29th January 2010

Source: www.newvision.co.ug