Crop success celebrated in Zambia after farmers plant virus-free cassava cuttings

Published 2024년 4월 17일

Tridge summary

In Zambia's Nsama District, smallholder cassava farmers have achieved notable success against Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD) through a collaborative initiative led by CABI, the Zambian Ministry of Agriculture, ITABWA Investments, and other partners. This program, part of the PlantwisePlus programme, has provided farmers with disease-free cassava cuttings, resulting in 70% of them reporting very good crop performance. Efforts include the official certification of cassava crops, the establishment of new cooperatives, and plans to distribute clean cuttings to at least 2,000 farmers over three years, aiming to commercialize cassava farming and improve livelihoods. This comprehensive approach not only combats the immediate threat of CBSD but also fosters a sustainable seed system, enhances agricultural practices, and supports community resilience against invasive pests, thereby contributing to food security and the potential for expanded cassava production.
Disclaimer:The above summary was generated by Tridge's proprietary AI model for informational purposes.

Original content

Smallholder cassava farmers in Zambia are celebrating success after growing their crops with clean cassava cuttings free from the potentially devastating Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD) that threatens livelihoods and food security.Seventy percent of the 500 farmers in the Nsama District of Northern Province – that in February 2023 received disease-free cassava cuttings to plant for healthy crops – have reported a “very good crop stand” and the crop is “performing well.”CABI is working with various departments under the Zambian Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), including the Seed Control and Certification Institute (SCCI), Zambia Agricultural Research Institute (ZARI) and the Department of Agriculture (DoA), to promote the cultivation of healthier cassava crops in Zambia, which are at risk of total loss from invasive CBSD.Requirements met for official certificationThe cassava crop from 16 CABI-trained cassava seed growers has been inspected and the crop from 14 of these growers ...
Source: Cabi

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