@ AGROBiz | May-June. 2026

The warning comes from the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations( FAO) and international agricultural scientists, who say Fusarium Wilt Tropical Race 4( TR4) remains one of the most serious and persistent threats to banana cultivation worldwide, affecting plantations across Southeast Asia, Africa and South America.

The disease, caused by the soilborne fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense tropical race 4( syn. Fusarium odoratissimum), attacks banana and plantain crops( Musaceae). It is particularly dangerous because it can survive in soil for decades, making infected land unsuitable for banana production over the long term.

Experts say this long-term persistence means once TR4 is introduced, it is extremely difficult to eliminate, with no effective cure currently available.

“ When present, it causes severe yield losses, can make land unsuitable for banana production over the long term and significantly increases production costs due to the need for strict prevention, biosecurity and containment measures, making it a persistent and unresolved threat for banana producers worldwide,” said United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation’ s( FAO) World Banana

RAISING CONCERN: Scientists say banana varieties such as Cavendish remain vulnerable to Fusarium Wilt TR4.

Forum Secretariat Secretary Victor Prada.

The global concern is echoed in countries already dealing with active outbreaks. In Venezuela, the National Institute of Integrated Agricultural Health( INSAI) declared a phytosanitary emergency in 2023 after TR4 was confirmed in plantations across Aragua, Carabobo and Cojedes.

The outbreak has forced authorities to implement containment measures, including the removal of infected banana plants and the conversion of affected areas into alternative crop systems to restore soil health.

Smallholder farmers, particularly those dependent on banana cultivation for their livelihoods, have been among the most affected. In response, support programmes have introduced crop diversification efforts, including maise and vegetable production, alongside technical assistance.

The FAO has provided seeds, farming tools, biosecurity inputs and training to help farmers transition away from infected banana fields and rebuild production systems.

Globally, scientists say the threat extends beyond individual farms, with wider implications for food security and trade. Bananas remain a staple food and an important export commodity, supporting millions of rural households in producing countries.

Industry estimates place global banana exports at around 25 million metric tonnes annually, highlighting the scale of economic exposure should TR4 continue to spread unchecked.

Experts also note that while research is ongoing into resistant varieties, including new hybrids developed in Asia, no fully resistant commercial solution has yet been achieved.

As a result, FAO scientists stress that managing TR4 will depend heavily on coordinated international action, including early detection, strict biosecurity measures, farmer education, and sustained investment in surveillance systems.

Authorities and researchers continue to emphasise that long-term containment will require collaboration between governments, industry players and smallholder farmers to slow the spread of the disease and protect one of the world’ s most widely consumed fruits.

INDONESIA is in advanced discussions to supply Malaysia with up to 200,000 tonnes of rice, a potential export deal valued at about Rp2 trillion( US $ 115.6 million), according to officials.

The president director of Indonesia’ s state logistics agency, Bulog, Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani, said negotiations with Malaysia had entered a second round, signalling continued momentum in the talks.

“ We have entered the second stage of negotiations. If we calculate 200,000 tons at Rp 10,000 per kilogram, the value would be around Rp 2 trillion,” Rizal said.

He added that while Thailand and Vietnam have also expressed interest in importing Indonesian rice, Malaysia remains a key partner being prioritised in current export discussions.

The proposed deal reflects Indonesia’ s efforts to strengthen its position as a regional rice supplier, supported by improved production levels and

GRAIN GAINS: Officials say Indonesia’ s rising rice production has supported increased export opportunities across the region. rising national stockpiles.

Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman said the country’ s growing output had created favourable conditions for exports, describing recent shipments as a sign of strong production momentum.

Amran said:“ This is a positive momentum because our production is increasing. That is what we are exporting. We have also explored opportunities with several countries, including Saudi Arabia, Papua New Guinea, Malaysia, and the Philippines.”

Indonesia had earlier shipped 2,280 tonnes of premium rice to Saudi Arabia, valued at around Rp 38 billion, mainly to meet demand from Indonesian Hajj pilgrims.

Officials noted that the ongoing negotiations with Malaysia highlight broader regional food trade linkages, as Southeast Asian producers continue to balance domestic supply needs with expanding export opportunities.- @ AGROBiz