18 March 2008
Benguela — Five hectares of maize and beans cultures were destroyed in Bocoio district, central Benguela province, by a plague still unknown by technicians of the Agrarian Development Institute (IDA), thereby affecting the second season of the 2008 agricultural campaign.
Speaking to ANGOP Tuesday, the chairperson of the Association of Farmers and Cattle-Raising Cooperatives (UNACE) in Bocoio, Henrique Handa said that the situation is of great concern, because the plague that began in the first fortnight of the current month has already affected the district headquarters and Sibol village.
According to the source, the district's population might, soon, face a food crisis, due to the destruction of the cultures, first by the draught and now by the pestilence.
The second season of the agricultural campaign in Bocoio district involved 2,664 farmers, organised into 20 associations.
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The Global Plant Clinic offers a free diagnostic and advisory service. We can comment on photos and other available information about the the maize and bean problems. Please email us at: plant.clinic@cabi.org. Visit our webpage at www.globalplantclinic.org.