HYDERABAD: Agriculture experts, academicians, representatives of research institutes and progressive growers have expressed concern over the attack of Fusarium wilt (Panama disease) on banana crop in Sindh.

They suggested training of farmers and precautionary measures to protect the crop from that potential threat.

They also recommended the Sindh government to take practical steps to prevent such diseasescontracted through agricultural commodities imported from other countries and urged that agricultural varieties must be quarantined before planting such commodities.

It was discussed at a meeting of stakeholders held in Sindh Agriculture University (SAU) Tandojam on Tuesday, presided over by Vice Chancellor (VC) Dr Fateh Mari and attended by experts from different agriculturaland researchinstitutes.

Prof Dr Rehana Naz Syed of the SAU, agriculture researcher Khalid Rajput and NaimatullahKoondhar discussed various aspects of the disease, researches on it and statistics of the affected areas in banana growing districts.

The VC said Sindh produced 87pc of the Pakistan`s bananas, but Panama disease was proving to be as dangerous as banana bunchy top virus. While seasonal effects also damaged production capacity of the fruit, he said, suggesting that experts should advise farmers to prevent or eliminate the effects ofthe disease.

He proposed that a forum based on all stakeholders, including agricultural institutions, experts andfarmers of Sindh, should be formed to address those issues.

Sindh Abadgar Board (SAB) vice president Mehmood Nawaz Shah said that such diseases were spreading in Sindh due to nonquarantine and non-diagnosis of agricultural commodities coming from abroad and the Sindh government would have to take steps to prevent that.

A progressive farmer, Syed Nadeem Shah, said that a modern laboratory should be established for early diagnosis and farmers should be made aware of the disease in the areas where effectswere severe. Precautionary measuresneededtobetaken,he added.

Prof Mohammad Mithal Jaskani said tissue cultured plants were safe from diseases, but Fusarium wilt could affect them. Therefore, it was necessary to develop plants and commodities immune to diseases.

Prof Dr Abdul Mubeen Lodhi, director of Advanced Studies, said the disease was destroying the bananas fast and emergency measures were needed to eradicate affected plants and protect the existing orchards. In that connection, government cooperation with research institutes was required, he added.