$8 million earmarked to fight coffee disease

The Ministry of Agriculture is to roll out an $8 million programme to combat the devastating Coffee Leaf Rust disease.

The ministry said that the disease is spreading to new areas and has gotten aggressive, which warrants a more intense mitigation programme.

It said funds will be used to buy fungicides and other materials to help fight the disease.

Additionally, the agriculture ministry said money will also be allocated to offer support services to farmers to help them rehabilitate and protect their fields.

It is urging farmers to constantly inspect their farms and apply the necessary control mechanisms. 

The agriculture ministry said a special team has been put in place and is charged with developing best practices in dealing with the outbreak.

Managing Director of the Mavis Bank Coffee Factory, Senator Norman Grant, has said that his company will be implementing several measures aimed at fighting the disease.

He says farmers could lose millions if the outbreak of the Coffee Leaf Rust Disease is not contained.

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