Farmers face losses as disease ravages banana plantations in Penang

Diseased crops: Muhamad Farid (centre) and chairman of a farmer

BALIK PULAU: The income of some 200 farmers here is in jeopardy after a disease ravaged their banana plantations, turning parts of the plant black. Pulau Betong assemblyman Muhamad Farid Saad said the Moko disease, which is caused by the Raistonia Solanacearum bacteria, had so far affected almost half – 153ha out of 336ha – of the banana plantations.

The affected plantations are in Permatang Pasir, Sungai Rusa, Kampung Perlis, Kampung Enam, Sungai Burong, Sungai Nipah, Titi Teras, Gertak Sanggul, Bukit Sungai Ara and Teluk Kumbar.