ZANZIBAR is seeking help from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in fighting devastating fruit pests and diseases, the House was informed.

"It is a fact that mangos in many parts of the Islands have been affected by pests particularly fruit flies. As we seek help from the atomic energy, my ministry plans to increase traps for the flies," said the Minister of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mr Ramadhan Abdulla Shaaban, during the discussion of his ministry's budget estimates.

The minister said that pests and diseases remain a big challenge in fruits farming as they destroy mangos and oranges. He said that several parts of mango plants, including the fruit, are attacked by a variety of pests and that the ministry has been working hard to help farmers overcome the problem.

Mango is one of the finest fruits of the world with a great market value, but sometimes its industry is highly endangered because of certain pests and diseases.

Many backbenchers in the House complained about fruits mainly mangos and oranges being destroyed before harvesting. The legislators also raised concern over bad storage and lack of market.