Farmers in Nyarusiza Sub-county, Kisoro District, are facing devastating losses following a severe outbreak of white flies that has ravaged gardens across the area, leaving many in despair.
The small but highly destructive pests are notorious for damaging plant leaves and causing crop rot. The current infestation has stripped entire gardens bare, affecting a variety of crops including beans, potatoes, maize, and even green pastures. As a result, many farmers have been left with little or no harvest.
Emmanuel Nvuyekure, a farmer from Bunama Village, reported that his entire half-acre bean garden was wiped out by the pests.
He said that despite using pesticides, the infestation has proven resistant to control efforts.
Erasmus Nsabimana, the LC3 Chairperson of Nyarusiza Sub-county, noted that the white flies are believed to have crossed over from Rwanda earlier this year, around January.
The outbreak was first reported in Kabande and Bunama villages but has since spread rapidly to Mubuga and Rukongi parishes, affecting the entire sub-county.
CUE IN NSABIMANA……ON FLIES……..RR//
Kisoro Deputy Resident District Commissioner, Robert Tukamuhebwa, confirmed that the matter has been reported to the State House.
He expressed confidence that, in collaboration with the district agriculture department, a solution will soon be found to contain the spread and mitigate further damage.
CUE IN TUKAMUHEBWA……ON FLIES…….RR//
