Cassava virus needs quick response, Natende tells Lungu

President Edgar Lungu has been called upon to ensure government comes up with an effective quick response to prevent the spread of the Cassava Brown steak virus in the Country.

Sub- chief Natende of Chiengi District in Luapula Province Katele Kalumba says traditional leaders in the province are worried how prevalent the Brown steak virus has now become.

He says there is a likelihood that the virus which has spread from neighboring Countries into Zambia might now spread to other regions such as the Western Province.

In an interview with Q-News by telephone, Sub-chief Natende is appealing to the government to consider supplying farmers in the affected areas with a cassava variety that is resistant to the virus.

He says people in Chiengi District who rely on cassava as a fallback when the price of mealie meal goes up will be greatly affected by the spread of the Brown steak virus if nothing is done to address the situation.