Pest attack down in Sangrur

Tribune News Service

Sangrur, December 14

Armyworm and pink stem borer infestation, which had spread over 2,500 acres in the district, has come down to 640 acres. The figures have come to light after a state-level team of Agriculture Department officials visited various fields.

The team of Agriculture Department led by its director Sutantar Kumar Aeri visited Karpura, Nanakpur, Thalesa, Saaro and other villages. The team included Punjab Agricultural University expert Dr Gursahib Singh, and Additional Director, Research, Dr KS Suri.

Source said in Sangrur wheat had been sown in total 2.90 lakh hectares. Out of total, 30 per cent was sown with Happy Seeder and other machines with zero per cent stubble burning, 64 per cent with Rotadrill and partial burning, while remaining 6 per cent was sown with 100 per cent stubble burning.

Farmers from various villages alleged that under pressure from the authorities, they had sown wheat without burning of stubble, but it has led to spread of infestation in their fields. They are also countering the authorities’ claims that fields, where stubble was burnt, have also suffered infestation.

“As to my knowledge, fields where stubble was not burnt have seen the attack of worm,” said Kulwant Singh, a farmer from Thalesa village.

“Worm will die in coming days. To prevent damage, spray of Ekalux 25 EC (quinalphos) should be done,” the CAO said.