Pink stem borer attacks wheat crop in Faridkot

Farmers across the region are grappling with severe pink stem borer infestation in their wheat crop, particularly in the fields where paddy stubble was left unburnt and Happy Seeders were used for sowing. The unexpected pest attack has caused widespread concerns as farmers struggle to control the damage using pesticides or by re-sowing the crop.

Pink stem borer has started infesting fields where the traditional practice of burning paddy stubble was avoided, alleged the farmers. They said Happy Seeder and Super Seeder technology, designed to reduce stubble burning, has inadvertently provided a conducive environment for the pest to thrive.

Happy Seeder cuts and lifts paddy straw, sows seeds and drops the straw back onto the field as mulch.

After inspecting wheat fields in the area today, Dr Amrik Singh, Chief Agriculture Officer, attributed the high pest infestation to high temperature earlier this month. He said the borer attack was seen more on the wheat crop that was sown during the first fortnight of November, whereas the borer attack has been less on the wheat crop sown during the second fortnight of November. The infestation would decease with the fall in temperature in the coming days, he added.

Instructions by agri officials notwithstanding, farmers have started spraying pesticides to control the infestation, but the effectiveness of these measures is still uncertain. Experts warn that excessive pesticide use may lead to environmental hazards, complicating the situation further.

Agricultural authorities are calling for increased awareness on pest management practices and the importance of integrated pest control methods. Meanwhile, farmers continue to voice frustration over the unforeseen consequences of adopting new sowing technologies and are seeking government support to mitigate crop losses.