Paddy growers battle dreaded dwarf virus in 6 Punjab districts

Paddy growers in six districts of Punjab are yet again battling the dreaded dwarf virus that stunts the growth of the paddy crop and ultimately affects its yield. This is the third year in a row that the virus has attacked the standing crop.

The incidence of the virus, also referred to as Southern Rice Black Streaked Dwarf virus, has been observed in paddy fields in Ropar, Nawanshahr, Fatehgarh Sahib, Patiala, Sangrur and Mohali. Since the paddy transplantation has just finished, some paddy farmers, like in Khabra village of Ropar, have also uprooted their affected fields, and will be transplanting paddy again. In Ropar, around 100 acres under paddy crop have been affected by the virus, while around 300 acres have reportedly been infested in villages of Patiala district.

It is learnt that mostly PR 131 variety of paddy has been attacked by the virus. The infected plants grow up to just one-third of their normal size and have weak roots. As a result, there are chances of the crop dying prematurely, leaving farmers in the lurch.

Though officials in the state Agriculture Department say the incidence is restricted to a very miniscule area under paddy cultivation, the farmers are alarmed and keeping a close watch. This virus is transmitted by the White Backed Plant Hopper and efforts are on to stop the transmission of the virus, said a senior officer in state Agriculture Department. However, the farmers will have to spend an additional amount on spraying the insecticides, which could be up to Rs 1,500 per acre. In case, farmers have to uproot their fields and re-sow paddy, their input costs increase manifold.

“We are conducting online workshops for all agriculture officers and share with them the PAU-recommended practices and usage of insecticides to stop the transmission,” said the officer.

Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Khuddian visited Marolikalan, Kakrali and Paprali villages in Ropar district to take stock of the situation on Friday. He also interacted with farmers to understand their concerns.