Punjab minister assures compensation for paddy damaged by ‘bona’ virus

Following orders from the government, a special girdawari will be completed soon to assess the extent of damage to paddy crops caused by Southern Rice Black Streaked Dwarf Virus (commonly known as “bona” Virus), False Smut, and local flooding. Farmers have demanded that their issue be resolved on priority as the virus has affected their crop, following which the Punjab government has assured adequate compensation.

Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh today toured villages Ichewal, Rohti Basta, Rohti Mohda, Rohta, Lubana Karmu, Kaidupur, and Dhangerha in Patiala district, accompanied by senior officers and agriculture experts.

The Minister expressed grave concern that nearly 8,000 acres of paddy fields have been impacted. “Already suffering the brunt of floods and now facing the paddy virus outbreak, Punjabi farmers are bearing a double loss. The Punjab Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann stands shoulder to shoulder with them in this testing time,” he said.

The minister on Sunday assured that affected farmers will be duly compensated, as they have already spent heavily to cultivate their crops. he urged farmers not to plough their paddy until the special girdawari is completed, so that the government can accurately assess the crop damage.

He said that early-sown varieties—PR 131, PR 132, and PR 114—transplanted before June 25 have been hit the hardest, resulting in stunted growth and non-grain-bearing plants. He noted that heavy rainfall and waterlogging during the monsoon not only caused local flooding but also triggered the spread of the virus, further worsening farmers’ problems.

Meanwhile, agriculture experts advised farmers to drain excess water, apply zinc, and spray insecticides to control white-backed plant hoppers, which act as carriers of the virus. For controlling False Smut, they recommended spraying Cocide 2000 at 500 grams per acre before panicle emergence.

The Minister reiterated that the government is fully committed to safeguarding farmers' interests. He urged cultivators to stay in touch with agriculture officers and adopt the suggested measures promptly. "Our aim is to not only mitigate the current losses but also evolve long-term strategies to prevent recurrence of such diseases in future," he added. Officials from the district administration, agriculture department, Krishi Vigyan Kendra besides village representatives and local leaders, accompanied the minister during the visits.