Punjab agriculture minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian visits virus-hit paddy fields in Ropar villages
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The cabinet minister said in recent days, symptoms of stunted growth in paddy fields have been reported by farmers in the Ropar district. Upon receiving this information, experts from the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) and the department of agriculture and farmers' welfare, Ropar, jointly conducted field inspections in several villages, including the farms of Gurmeet Singh and Avtar Singh in the village of Asmanpur, block Ropar.
He said Ropar is currently the worst affected district by this disease. After on-ground assessment and expert consultations, special measures are being undertaken to control the spread of the suspected virus The minister emphasised that the situation is under control, and the agriculture department has issued directives for field visits and timely arrangements for appropriate insecticides to spread awareness among farmers.
During the review, it was observed that paddy varieties PR-128 and PR-131 showed signs of irregular growth post-transplantation. Some plants were found infected with the Southern Rice Black-Streaked Dwarf Virus (SRBSDV). Experts noted that the root systems of the affected plants were poorly developed compared to healthy plants. The leaves were narrow and pointed like needles, and escape roots (auxiliary root systems) were seen on the stems — symptoms consistent with a viral attack.
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The minister confirmed that plant samples from affected fields were sent to Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, for confirmation. Farmers have been advised to inspect their fields regularly, including nurseries, as healthy nursery plants are crucial for robust crop growth.
The director of the agriculture and farmers' welfare department said field teams are continuously visiting farms, and farmers are being advised to apply recommended insecticides, particularly targeting white-backed planthoppers, to prevent further spread of the virus.
Joint director Narinder Singh Benipal said that special awareness camps on pest management are being organised in the villages of Morinda and Sri Chamkaur Sahib blocks of the Ropar district under the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) scheme.
Chief agriculture officer Rakesh Kumar said the university is closely monitoring the virus, and there is no need for panic. If the damage is limited to 5–10%, the disease can still be controlled effectively.
MSID:: 122907615 413 |
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Time of India
25-07-2025
- Time of India
Punjab agriculture minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian visits virus-hit paddy fields in Ropar villages
Patiala: Punjab agriculture minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian visited the villages of Marolikalan, Kakrali, and Paprali in Ropar district on Friday to assess the impact of the Southern Rice Black-Streaked Dwarf Virus (SRBSDV) on paddy crops and interacted with farmers to understand their concerns. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The cabinet minister said in recent days, symptoms of stunted growth in paddy fields have been reported by farmers in the Ropar district. Upon receiving this information, experts from the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) and the department of agriculture and farmers' welfare, Ropar, jointly conducted field inspections in several villages, including the farms of Gurmeet Singh and Avtar Singh in the village of Asmanpur, block Ropar. He said Ropar is currently the worst affected district by this disease. After on-ground assessment and expert consultations, special measures are being undertaken to control the spread of the suspected virus The minister emphasised that the situation is under control, and the agriculture department has issued directives for field visits and timely arrangements for appropriate insecticides to spread awareness among farmers. During the review, it was observed that paddy varieties PR-128 and PR-131 showed signs of irregular growth post-transplantation. Some plants were found infected with the Southern Rice Black-Streaked Dwarf Virus (SRBSDV). Experts noted that the root systems of the affected plants were poorly developed compared to healthy plants. The leaves were narrow and pointed like needles, and escape roots (auxiliary root systems) were seen on the stems — symptoms consistent with a viral attack. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The minister confirmed that plant samples from affected fields were sent to Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, for confirmation. Farmers have been advised to inspect their fields regularly, including nurseries, as healthy nursery plants are crucial for robust crop growth. The director of the agriculture and farmers' welfare department said field teams are continuously visiting farms, and farmers are being advised to apply recommended insecticides, particularly targeting white-backed planthoppers, to prevent further spread of the virus. Joint director Narinder Singh Benipal said that special awareness camps on pest management are being organised in the villages of Morinda and Sri Chamkaur Sahib blocks of the Ropar district under the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) scheme. Chief agriculture officer Rakesh Kumar said the university is closely monitoring the virus, and there is no need for panic. If the damage is limited to 5–10%, the disease can still be controlled effectively. MSID:: 122907615 413 |
Time of India
23-07-2025
- Time of India
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India.com
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