This Is How Venezuelan Farmers Are Fighting Fusarium

A devastating fungal disease has forced Venezuelan banana and plantain farmers to rethink their livelihoods after authorities declared a phytosanitary emergency in 2023.

Venezuela’s National Institute of Integral Agricultural Health (INSAI) confirmed the arrival of Fusarium Tropical Race 4 (TR4) in key producing states including Aragua, Carabobo and Cojedes. The soil-borne fungus, which can survive for more than 20 years, is considered one of the most destructive diseases affecting banana and plantain crops in the country.

In the Renacer community in Aragua, where farmers had cultivated 20 hectares of bananas and plantains since 2018, the outbreak wiped out entire plantations.

“When the disease hit, the entire plantation began to deteriorate,” recalled farmer Lesbia Margarita García. “We had to chop down the banana trees. I cried a lot because I had worked with them for years.”

In response, INSAI ordered the elimination of infected crops and introduced soil recovery measures. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) stepped in to assist, providing corn seeds, tools, biosecurity supplies and technical training to help farmers transition to alternative crops.

Through the joint INSAI-FAO programme, producers began planting corn, cassava, beans, chili peppers and pumpkin. Crop rotation and natural fertilizers are now part of their strategy to restore soil health and diversify income.

“Planting corn gave us a harvest that benefited everyone,” García said. “These lands do not give up.”

The pilot initiative supports farmers in high-risk areas by promoting alternative crops, strengthening biosecurity and improving surveillance systems. FAO has also provided laboratory equipment and a multispectral drone to enhance early detection and phytosanitary monitoring.

At the national level, Venezuela has adopted a comprehensive action plan to manage TR4, including continuous training, public awareness campaigns and strengthened coordination between public institutions and farmers. Internationally, FAO continues to promote collaboration through the World Banana Forum and its Global Network on TR4.