THE MANAGEMENT of the Moko disease of bananas is being taken very seriously by the Ministry of Agriculture as it should be. The cancellation of the St. Mary Agri-Expo and the Montpelier Agricultural Show, two events of growing national importance scheduled for Easter Monday, is a clear indication that no opportunity is being allowed for this reportedly devastating disease to spread from the area in which it was discovered.
While a stop order on the movement of bananas, plantains and planting materials out of the affected areas of St. James has been put in place, the disease can still be carried on the shoes and clothing of persons who come in contact with it. The banana industry is too important to the economy to be put at unnecessary risk.
We note that the Trelawny Yam Festival, scheduled for the same period, has been allowed to go ahead as its venue in Albert Town is not a 'typical banana growing area'. This is a sensible decision that will provide an alternative avenue of entertainment for the farming community and the public at large without compromising the integrity of the programme to contain the disease.
There is, however, one area in which the Ministry of Agriculture or its agencies could do more. People need to be reassured that the disease does not affect humans and that bananas are safe for human consumption whatever its source of origin.
Admittedly, Minister Roger Clarke in his early statement announcing the discovery of the disease had pointed out that although plants may show signs of the disease the fruit may be safely eaten. We raise the point because the question has been asked even after the Minister's statement and we believe it is important enough to warrant emphasis. The scientists have confirmed that the bacteria that causes the Moko disease is specific to bananas and plantains and a few other plant species and does not have any harmful effects on humans and animals.
This message needs to be unequivocal because the domestic market for bananas has in recent times far outstripped the export market which once was the mainstay of the industry and indeed of the economy. Banana's importance as a crop lies in its ability to provide a weekly income year-round to small farmers across the length and breadth of the country. We must spare no cost to preserve it.
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