Devastating Mealybugs Wreak Havoc on Kitgum Pawpaw Farms

Kitgum farmers are facing severe economic hardship as an aggressive invasive mealybug, known locally as “Kwidi Paipai,” decimates their pawpaw harvests. A study by district entomologist Barnabas Opiyo reveals that farmers are losing an average of 161 kilograms of pawpaw per acre, representing a nearly 13 percent reduction in expected yields.

The pest’s characteristic white, cotton-like coating not only contaminates the fruit, reducing its quality and marketability, but also shields it from natural predators and conventional pesticides. This infestation affects leaves, stems, and fruits, turning a once-reliable source of income into a precarious undertaking for many smallholder farmers.

Farmers overwhelmingly recognize the pest, with over 99 percent identifying it. While the dry season exacerbates infestations, the mealybug’s persistence throughout the year is attributed to increasing climate variability. Most farmers are resorting to traditional methods like using wood ash, as chemical pesticides are often too expensive and costly due to limited technical expertise.

Interviews with farmers like Patrick Okello and Juliet Adong highlight the drastic impact on livelihoods. Okello, who previously earned millions annually, now sees many fruits wither before maturity. Adong laments that pawpaw, once a staple for paying school fees, now yields fewer, smaller fruits sold at lower prices.

District officials recommend systemic pesticides that are absorbed by the plant, offering a more effective solution. However, strengthening agricultural extension services, including farmer training and validating indigenous control methods, is crucial. Without effective interventions, the spread of this invasive mealybug threatens the future of pawpaw cultivation in Kitgum.

Source: https://observer.ug/news/kitgum-farmers-count-losses-as-pawpaw-mealybugs-ravage-gardens