Banana fungus threatens to exacerbate hunger crisis in Venezuela

A harmful fungus, Fusarium tropical race 4, has been detected in Venezuela, particularly in the central states of Aragua, Carabobo, and Cojedes. This fungus, which was officially identified in January by the national agricultural health institute, poses a significant threat to small-scale farmers who depend on bananas and plantains for their energy and income. The fungus has already affected around 1,000 small producers and 150 hectares of land. The United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) suggests replacing infected plants with crops not susceptible to the fungus, such as corn or grains. The source of the fungus is still unknown, but it may have been introduced via contaminated plants, trucks, or footwear. The Agricultural Engineers' Association warned of this risk in 2019 and has called for increased government controls, especially at the Colombian border. This situation is exacerbated by Venezuela's existing high hunger rates, with 23% of the population already suffering from hunger. The fungus has not yet reached the major banana and plantain-growing state, Zulia, but concerns are high about its potential widespread destruction.