The Department of Agriculture in Thailand is urging farmers to adopt disease-resistant cassava varieties to combat a severe outbreak of cassava leaf disease, predominantly caused by the Sri Lankan cassava mosaic virus. This condition, which can destroy cassava at any growth stage, has been exacerbated by the use of infected species and weak cultivars, leading to[/INST] yield losses nearly 100%. To curb the spread of the disease, the Department of Agriculture recommends against planting susceptible varieties and stresses the importance of adopting disease-free plants. Additionally, the department has endorsed three disease-resistant cassava varieties: Rayong 72, KU 50, and Huai Bong 60. This initiative is particularly important as the disease outbreak has been reported in 29 provinces, affecting a total area of 295,344.