The Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Danilo Palacios, emphasized the importance of working together to address this challenge. “Together is how we must work,” he stated, highlighting the importance of Ecuador, as the world’s leading banana exporter, taking the lead in research and preventive actions in the region.

The executive director of Agrocalidad, Patricio Almeida, noted that the coordination of efforts within this committee would enable the development of medium- and long-term solutions. However, he insisted that implementing biosecurity measures and early warning systems are essential to contain the spread of Moko.

The committee will be made up of public entities, the private sector, academia, regulatory bodies, and other key players in the musaceae production chain in the country. Its main role will be to establish strategies and intervention measures for controlling the disease.

Banana and plantain producers should be vigilant for any suspicious symptoms in their crops and report them immediately to Agrocalidad through their official channels, social media, the 1800 247600 hotline, or the emergency number 911.

The commitment of all involved stakeholders is crucial to protect the banana and plantain production in the country and ensure the sustainability of this important economic sector.