Farmers alarmed as paddy, cotton, sugarcane hit by diseases in state

Farmers across Haryana are facing a serious agricultural crisis as multiple crop diseases have struck simultaneously, affecting paddy, cotton and sugarcane fields in different parts of the state. Alarming reports of viral, fungal and pest infestations have raised concerns about crop losses and falling yields during this kharif season.

In Karnal and nearby districts, paddy crop, particularly hybrid and high-yielding parmal varieties, are showing signs of Southern Rice Black Streaked Dwarf Virus. The disease causes severe stunting, twisted dark green leaves, blackened roots and ultimately unfilled grains.

“The virus reduces nutrient uptake and leads to poor grain development, significantly impacting yield,” said Dr Maha Singh, senior coordinator, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), HAU Uchani. He urged farmers to remain vigilant and report any unusual symptoms.

Dr Wazir Singh, Deputy Director Agriculture, Karnal, confirmed detection of the disease in patches and said the department is actively monitoring affected fields. The Rice Research Station, Kaul, Kaithal, has warned that the virus is transmitted by white backed plant hoppers and issued a preventive advisory.

“I spotted the disease in my field and immediately sought help from agriculture officials who advised proper sprays,” said farmer Vikrant Chaudhary.

Meanwhile, Sirsa district's cotton fields, especially in Dabwali tehsil, are witnessing an early-stage infestation of pink bollworm, a pest that can devastate yields if left unchecked. Affected villages include Chautala, Bharukhera and Asakhera, where agriculture officials have launched inspections and awareness drives.

“Begin with organic methods like neem-based sprays. Use chemical pesticides only under expert guidance,” advised Dr Sukhdev Singh, Deputy Director Agriculture, Sirsa. Farmers have also been asked to install pheromone traps, bird perches and inspect bolls regularly.

In Yamunanagar, sugarcane farmers are battling a triple blow of pokkah boeng, top borer and sap-sucking insects. A joint inspection by agricultural scientists from HAU’s Regional Research Centres and KVK Damla found the most severe damage in sugarcane varieties CO-0118 and CO-0238.

“We’re advising fungicides like carbendazim (0.2%) and propiconazole (0.1%) for pokkah boeng,” said Dr Sandeep Rawal, KVK Coordinator. Dimethoate (Rogor) 30 EC is being recommended for sap-sucking pests. For Terai borer prevention, he suggested releasing Tricho cards four times between August and September.

Yamunanagar alone has nearly 45,000 acres under sugarcane cultivation and growing pressure from crop diseases is causing increasing anxiety among farmers.

- With inputs from Anil Kakkar and Shiv Kumar Sharma