Post-floods, farmers grapple with discolouring of grain, pest surge

After battling incessant rains and flooding for weeks, farmers are now grappling with a new crisis — blackened paddy grain and a surge in brown plant hopper infestation.

The twin threats have emerged just as the paddy crop nears maturity, raising fears of widespread yield loss and financial hardship.

Experts from Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) confirmed that the damage stems from an unfortunate overlap of heavy rains with the flowering period of paddy crop and attack of brown plant hopper has been observed at a few places in the state.

Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor of the PAU, said, “Continuous rains have led to higher moisture content. Further, sudden spike in temperature has created ideal conditions for fungal growth. The grain is turning black and splitting, which will severely impact both quality and quantity. In addition, brown plant hopper population has exploded. The farmers must act swiftly.”

Field reports from the Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) indicate widespread grain discolouration. Agronomist Buta Singh from the PAU said, “This year, the flowering period coincided with rains, creating havoc. It has led to blackened paddy grain.”

Farmer Gurpreet Singh from Sahabana village said, “The grain has turned black. This will definitely affect yield and market value. This has come as a double blow to farmers.”

Adding to distress, the PAU’s latest survey has revealed a sharp rise in brown plant hopper population in state. These pests, which thrive in hot and humid conditions, suck sap from rice plants, causing them to yellow, wilt and eventually die — a phenomenon known as “hopper burn”.

The PAU has issued advisory urging farmers to monitor their fields by gently shaking plants and check for floating hoppers. If infestation exceeds five hoppers per plant, farmers have been advised to use the PAU-recommended insecticides and focus application at the plant base for maximum effectiveness. The compounded impact of fungal damage and pest infestation threatens to devastate yield in Punjab’s key paddy producing belts. With grain quality deteriorating and pest pressure mounting, farmers face potential financial ruin during this critical harvest window, said farmer Harvinder Singh from Samrala.

Dr Gosal said, “Timely intervention and adherence to expert guidance are crucial to salvaging what remains of this season’s crop.”