Disease killing coconuts

 URGENT Government intervention is needed to help those affected by the Bogia Coconut Syndrome in Madang, scientists at the Cocoa and Coconut Institute say.

The coconut syndrome is spreading at an alarming rate to other parts of the province killing coconut palms and other palm-related species in Bogia, North Coast, Madang district and Rai Coast.

Alfred Kembu, the acting officer-in-charge of the Stewart Research Station at Murunas told a group of government officers from the provincial administration involved in the Long Island food shortage issue, that the disease was here to stay.

He said government agencies needed to contain its spread.

Recent revelations on Long Island suggest the disease could be in the Rai Coast district following reports of food gardens and cash 

crops dying.   Although this is yet to be scientifically proven, the scientists say the signs and symptoms on the crops mainly taro, banana and yam are very much similar to those affecting the coconut trees in Bogia, Madang and Sumkar districts.

Research officer Serah Joe said the Almami survey which was to determine the effects and spread of the disease covered 23 of the 37 wards – those accessible by vehicles only. Joe said many of the food crops were susceptible or at risk of being destroyed.

John Hura, senior professional assistant with the Madang provincial education office said the disease was taking its toll on the education sector as well.

He said parents in the affected communities who depended on revenue from copra for their children’s education were facing difficulties supporting their children to school.