Scientists sound alarm on devastating phenomenon affecting major crops: 'No medicine works'
Sugarcane farmers are facing a crisis as a crop disease is threatening their earnings and the global sugar supply, NewsClick reported. Red rot, an aggressive fungal infection, is spreading quickly and devastating sugarcane fields. With the changing climate affecting weather patterns, conditions are becoming more favorable for the disease as well as making crop rotation more challenging for farmers everywhere.
In the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, the sugarcane department warned farmers not to plant specific varieties of sugarcane because of their higher risk of becoming infected, but it seems many ignored or didn't get the message.
"Sugarcane will dry up after the disease, and no medicine works," said Dr. RV Ram, deputy sugarcane commissioner, in the report.
Scientists think the growing spread of red rot was exacerbated by excess moisture after the monsoon season. They also suggest farmers rotate their crops rather than focus entirely on sugarcane to prevent the disease from wiping out fields.
However, the changing climate is making crop rotation unreliable for these farmers. Heatwaves, hail storms, floods, and droughts make it hard to know what crops will be successful.
Sugarcane is a major cash crop that supports millions of farmers and workers. As red rot spreads and wipes out fields, it affects not only farmers but also farmhands who depend on harvest volumes for their wages.
All of this has a snowball effect. Uttar Pradesh is one of India's top sugarcane-growing states, and with entire fields being wiped out, the supply chain could face widespread shortages. That drives up production and retail prices for anything that's part of that food chain — making groceries more expensive for everyone.
Scientists are scrambling for solutions and working on developing red rot-resistant sugarcane varieties, with some success, as published in the Journal of Environmental Biology. However, breeding new strains takes time, and farmers are being affected now.
This isn't limited to sugarcane. Experts say we need more investment in agricultural disease research and strategies for adapting to the changing climate. The scientific community is focusing on developing natural fungicides that are better for the environment and our food supply.
How often do you worry about the quality of your drinking water?
Never
Sometimes
Often
Always
Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.
With changes to the climate an ongoing concern, agricultural diseases like red rot may become even more widespread. This poses a huge threat to food security all over the world, as these agricultural supply chains are interconnected. Taking measures to protect crops and develop sustainable and eco-friendly farming methods is necessary to protect our food supply in the future.
Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time Business News
2 days ago
- Time Business News
Your Guide to Master Sanjivram, a Trusted Astrologer in Toronto
Astrology is more than just guessing what will happen in the future. It helps you understand yourself and the world around you. Master Sanjivram offers a unique and professional method of astrology to people in Toronto who are looking for help and advice. He is known as one of the astrologer in Toronto. Because he combines traditional Indian astrology with modern methods that help people deal with problems in their lives. The Master Sanjivram's work is explained in this blog. The best astrologer in Toronto offers unique value, and astrology can make your life better. Master Sanjivram is a well-known Indian astrologer in Toronto who has helped many people get through hard times in their lives. He became interested in astrology when he was young and saw how it could help people make smart choices and find their hidden talents. With the help of the best astrologer in Toronto who taught him from the Vedas. He has become a trusted name in the city. A lot of awards and praise have been given to Master Sanjivram for his hard work and skill over the course of his career. These accomplishments show not only how skilled they are. But also how trusted and praised they are by customers all over the world. Master Sanjivram provides a range of astrological services that are meant to help with different parts of life. Their advice has been made to meet their needs. Whether you want to get clarity on personal issues or solve problems. Problems with job opportunities or problems at work? Master Sanjivram's expert reading helps people see the different paths they can take and helps them find jobs and industries that match their strengths and goals. People we know and love are very important to us. Master Sanjivram gives you information on how to improve family relationships, friendships, or romantic relationships. His advice has helped a lot of people find love, deal with stress, and make strong bonds. The well-being of our bodies and minds is often linked to effects in space. Master Sanjivram uses astrology to find things that can hurt your health and give you tips on how to stay healthy and balanced. Astrology is a way to learn more about yourself, not just solve problems. Bringing the spiritual and physical worlds closer together, Master Sanjivram offers spiritual guidance to people who are looking for meaning and growth. Bad things can make life sound like a tough fight at times. Master Sanjivram suggests effective solutions, such as Vedic practices and gems, to get rid of these problems and bring back happiness. Master Sanjivram is one of the most best astrologer in Toronto because he takes the time to get to know each patient and make them feel comfortable. He doesn't just give one basic answer. Instead, he takes the time to learn about each customer's specific situation and craft. He uses both old Vedic astronomy and new problem-solving methods, giving people in Toronto something to do that fits with their busy schedules. They are consultants because they are good at reading and want to help people reach their goals. Master Sanjivram can really connect with his customers and make them feel heard, important, and supported. When talking about Master Sanjivram's job. It's not complete without mentioning some of the amazing things that have happened for his clients. A young business owner had a hard time making choices about his business. He told Master Sanjivram that his job reading not only made him feel good about himself. But it also helped him come up with smart business strategies that turned out to be profitable. Another customer, a couple who were looking for relationship advice, said that their readings helped them understand their compatibility problems and made them closer, even though they were different. A worker who was dealing with old stress said that after following Master Sanjivram's health-based steps, he felt a lot better mentally and physically. These stories are just a small sample of the many lives that have been changed for the better by their knowledge. Astrology isn't just a way to make predictions; it's also a way to learn about yourself and make smart choices. Your birth chart can help you understand the following: Strengths and weaknesses: Find out more about your conditions and what you can do to get better. Find out more about your conditions and what you can do to get better. Life Transitions: Feel confident as you go through big changes like changing careers, moving, or ending a relationship. Feel confident as you go through big changes like changing careers, moving, or ending a relationship. Time: For important events, be sure to take advantage of lucky times and avoid bad times. For important events, be sure to take advantage of lucky times and avoid bad times. Freedom of thought: Spend time alone to understand that the answers to life's problems are in the stars. Master Sanjivram, an astrologer in Toronto, helps his clients get these benefits. Which gives everyone the power to decide their future. Toronto is a busy city that values new ideas and cultural diversity. This makes it a hub for services like astrology. In this city of movement, people often need help finding a balance between their busy lives. Many people, from students and workers to families, use astrology as a way to make decisions and reach their own goals. Master Sanjivram's services are based on Indian customs but have been changed to fit the needs of the diverse community in Toronto. This makes astrology easy to understand, dependable, and useful. When done by a skilled businessman like Master Sanjivram, astrology is more than a way to guess what will happen in the future. The experience changes you and helps you get rid of problems, reach your goals, and learn more about yourself. You don't need to look any further for the best astrologer in Toronto. You will have a better, brighter future with the help of Master Sanjivram's knowledge, compassion, and correctness. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Indian authorities begin probe of Air India plane crash as Modi visits the site
NEW DEHI (AP) — Authorities began investigating one of India's worst aviation disasters after an Air India plane crashed a day earlier that killed all but one of the 242 passengers and crew onboard, officials said Friday, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site. The Indian government has launched an investigation into the fatal crash of the London-bound Air India plane that came down in a in a residential area in the northwestern city of Ahmedabad minutes after takeoff on Thursday. Officials said most of the bodies were charred beyond recognition. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu in a statement on the social media said the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has initiated the probe in line with global protocols set by the International Civil Aviation Organization. A team from the U.S. is expected in India to help with the probe. The National Transportation Safety Board, Federal Aviation Administration, Boeing and General Electric are all sending experts. There was no update on retrieving the black boxes, the flight data and cockpit voice recorders, as authorities continued searching the crash site. Akshay Dongardiv, national president of the Federation of All India Medical Association, said medics had begun conducting DNA tests as grieving families gathered outside the Civil hospital in Ahmedabad on Friday. The plane hit a building hosting a medical college hostel and burst into flames, killing several college students on the ground. Black smoke billowed from the site where the plane crashed near the airport in Ahmedabad, a city of more than 5 million and the capital of Gujarat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home state. Modi visited the crash site and the local government hospital where the injured are being treated. He is scheduled to hold a meeting with senior officials later in the day. Indian Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed that he met the sole survivor at the hospital. A doctor said he had examined the survivor, whom he identified as Vishwashkumar Ramesh. 'He was disoriented with multiple injuries all over his body,' Dr. Dhaval Gameti told The Associated Press. 'But he seems to be out of danger.' Another medic said Ramesh told him that immediately after the plane took off, it began descending and suddenly split in two, throwing him out before a loud explosion. Thursday's Air India crash involved a 12-year-old Boeing 787. The cause of the crash remains unclear. Boeing planes have been plagued by safety issues on other types of aircraft. According to experts, there are currently around 1,200 of the 787 Dreamliner aircraft worldwide, and this was the first deadly crash in 16 years of operation.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Indian authorities begin probe of Air India plane crash as Modi visits the site
NEW DEHI (AP) — Authorities began investigating one of India's worst aviation disasters after an Air India plane crashed a day earlier that killed all but one of the 242 passengers and crew onboard, officials said Friday, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site. The Indian government has launched an investigation into the fatal crash of the London-bound Air India plane that came down in a in a residential area in the northwestern city of Ahmedabad minutes after takeoff on Thursday. Officials said most of the bodies were charred beyond recognition. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu in a statement on the social media said the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has initiated the probe in line with global protocols set by the International Civil Aviation Organization. A team from the U.S. is expected in India to help with the probe. The National Transportation Safety Board, Federal Aviation Administration, Boeing and General Electric are all sending experts. There was no update on retrieving the black boxes, the flight data and cockpit voice recorders, as authorities continued searching the crash site. Akshay Dongardiv, national president of the Federation of All India Medical Association, said medics had begun conducting DNA tests as grieving families gathered outside the Civil hospital in Ahmedabad on Friday. The plane hit a building hosting a medical college hostel and burst into flames, killing several college students on the ground. Black smoke billowed from the site where the plane crashed near the airport in Ahmedabad, a city of more than 5 million and the capital of Gujarat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home state. Modi visited the crash site and the local government hospital where the injured are being treated. He is scheduled to hold a meeting with senior officials later in the day. Indian Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed that he met the sole survivor at the hospital. A doctor said he had examined the survivor, whom he identified as Vishwashkumar Ramesh. 'He was disoriented with multiple injuries all over his body,' Dr. Dhaval Gameti told The Associated Press. 'But he seems to be out of danger.' Another medic said Ramesh told him that immediately after the plane took off, it began descending and suddenly split in two, throwing him out before a loud explosion. Thursday's Air India crash involved a 12-year-old Boeing 787. The cause of the crash remains unclear. Boeing planes have been plagued by safety issues on other types of aircraft. According to experts, there are currently around 1,200 of the 787 Dreamliner aircraft worldwide, and this was the first deadly crash in 16 years of operation. Rajesh Roy And Aijaz Hussain, The Associated Press
