Cassava viruses cause Tanzania $50m in yearly losses
James Left, a principal scientist with IITA, an international research organization working across Africa to tackle hunger, poverty and malnutrition through research in agriculture, said the viruses affected half of the cassava crop produced in the east African nation.
Speaking at the 50th Anniversary of the IITA in the commercial capital Dar es Salaam, Left said almost half of all crops produced in Tanzania were affected by diseases which hugely affected the country's agricultural sector.
Victor Mayong, IITA Eastern Africa Director, said the institute was now focusing on inventing technologies that will reduce different crop threats and ensure that the agricultural sector becomes an engine of growth.
source: news.xinhuanet.com
