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Time of India
6 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
Leafhopper outbreak threatens cotton crop in North India: SABC
Bathinda: South Asia Biotechnology Centre (SABC), a scientific organisation, has flagged infestation of green leafhoppers (jassid), commonly known as "hara tela" on cotton across major cotton-growing districts of Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan. The infestation has impacted Mansa, Bathinda, Fazilka in Punjab; Hisar, Fatehabad, Sirsa in Haryana and Hanumangarh, Sri Ganganagar in Rajasthan. SABC observed the outbreak during a field survey conducted under Project Bandhan by the Jodhpur-based centre, which has its research and development wing in Sirsa. The field team led by Dilip Monga, Bhagirath Choudhary, Naresh, Deepak Jakhar and K S Bhardwaj reported infestation levels of 12 to 15 leafhoppers per leaf, significantly above the economic threshold level (ETL). The field survey also reported cotton leaf injuries exceeding ETL based on the damage grading system. For the past three consecutive weeks, green leafhopper (jassid) populations have exceeded ETL, triggering yellowing of leaf margins and downward curling, classic symptoms of a jassid attack. The outbreak is being attributed to a confluence of weather conditions, including above average rainfall, an increased number of rainy days, persistent humidity and cloud cover, all of which have created ideal conditions for jassid proliferation. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Patna: 1 Trick to Reduce Belly Fat? Home Fitness Hack Shop Now Undo Fields were graded from three to four, based on the ICAR-CICR infestation scale, indicating severe to extreme damage. "The leafhopper infestation has emerged at a time when overall conditions are significantly better than the past three to four years. The crop appears to be robust across the northern region, except in late-sown areas of Sri Ganganagar, where irrigation was unavailable during the sowing period", said Bhagirath Choudhary, director, South Asia Biotechnology Centre's high-tech R&D station, Sirsa. Amrasca biguttula biguttula (Ishida) leafhopper is commonly referred to as an Indian cotton jassid or "hara tela". Leafhopper adults are very active, pale green in colour, measuring about 3.5mm in length, with two distinct black spots on forewings and vertex. They are readily identified by their characteristic diagonal movement on the leaves and are hence referred to as "leafhoppers". Population of leafhoppers occurs throughout the season but attains pest status during July-August. Up to 11 generations per season have been estimated to occur on cotton. Both nymphs and adults of leafhoppers suck the cell sap from cotton tissue and inject toxin, causing "hopper burn" symptom, characterised by yellowing, browning, and drying of leaves. The affected leaves show crinkling and curling symptoms. In extreme situations, there is reduced photosynthetic activity, browning and drying of leaves that can considerably hamper productivity of the cotton, and yield losses of up to 30%, if left unmanaged. PAU scientist Paramjit Singh said that there was no cause for alarm as the leafhopper was only a little above ETL. However, the survey team noted that failure to control the green leafhopper infestation promptly could lead to damage to the cotton crop in the coming days. Farmers must remain alert and take immediate action to manage the pest effectively to avoid potential yield losses. SABC has urged cotton farmers to adopt science-backed measures to effectively manage and control the growing menace of green leafhoppers (jassids). Such measures include regular field monitoring, accurate pest identification and assessment of infestation severity. Recommendations include use of neem-based bio-insecticides or other eco-friendly, organic pesticides to manage mild infestations and spray during early morning or late evening, when the wind is calm. It is important to ensure thorough coverage, especially on the underside of leaves, where pests usually hide. Farmers must also eliminate weeds within the field and along borders, since they serve as alternative hosts for leafhoppers and other pests. Pic: Survey in Sahnewali village in Mansa and Sirsa Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes , messages and quotes !
Time of India
31-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Leafhopper outbreak threatens cotton crop in region
1 2 Bathinda: The South Asia Biotechnology Centre, a scientific organisation, has revealed an infestation of green leafhoppers (jassid), commonly known as 'hara tela', on cotton across major cotton-growing districts of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan. The impact is notable in Mansa, Bathinda, and Fazilka in Punjab, Hisar, Fatehabad, and Sirsa in Haryana, and Hanumangarh and Sri Ganganagar in Rajasthan. SABC observed the outbreak during a field survey conducted under Project Bandhan by the Jodhpur-based centre, which has its research and development centre at Sirsa. The field team, led by Dilip Monga, Bhagirath Choudhary, Naresh, Deepak Jakhar, and KS Bhardwaj, reported infestation levels of 12-15 leafhoppers per leaf, significantly above the Economic Threshold Level (ETL). The field survey also reported cotton leaf injuries exceeding ETL based on the damage grading system. For the past three consecutive weeks, green leafhopper (jassid) populations exceeded ETL, triggering yellowing of leaf margins and downward curling, classic symptoms of jassid attack. The outbreak is attributed to a confluence of weather conditions, including above-average rainfall, an increased number of rainy days, persistent humidity, and cloud cover, all of which created ideal conditions for jassid proliferation. Fields were graded 3 to 4 based on the ICAR-CICR infestation scale, indicating severe to extreme damage. "The leafhopper infestation emerged at a time when the overall conditions are significantly better than the past three to four years. The crop appears robust across the northern region, except in late-sown areas of Sri Ganganagar, where irrigation was unavailable during the sowing period," stated Bhagirath Choudhary, director of the South Asia Biotechnology Centre's High-Tech R&D Station, Sirsa. Amrasca biguttula biguttula (Ishida), commonly referred to as the Indian cotton jassid or 'hara tela', is a season-long sucking pest of cotton. Leafhopper adults are very active, pale green in colour, measuring about 3.5mm in length with two distinct black spots on forewings and vertex, readily identified by their characteristic diagonal movement on the leaves, hence referred to as 'leafhoppers'. The population of leafhoppers occurs throughout the season but attains pest status during July-August. Up to 11 generations per season have been estimated to occur on cotton. Both nymphs and adults of leafhoppers suck the cell sap from the cotton tissue and inject toxins, causing the 'hopper burn' symptom, characterised by yellowing, browning, and drying of leaves. The affected leaves show crinkling and curling symptoms, and in extreme situations, result in reduced photosynthetic activity, browning, and drying of leaves, which can considerably hamper the productivity of the cotton, leading to yield losses of up to 30% if unmanaged. Leafhopper ≥5 plants showing damage grade II/III/IV, grade II shows minor crinkling, curling, and yellowing in lower leaves, grade III is observed with leaf crinkling, curling, and crinkling across the plant; stunted growth, grade IV with severe bronzing, crinkling, curling, and drying of leaves. If ≥5 plants per 20 sampled show grade II or above damage, immediate action is necessary, said Research Scientist Deepak Jakhar. However, PAU Scientist Paramjit Singh said there is no alarming situation as the leafhopper is only slightly above ETL. The survey team noted that failure to control this green leafhopper infestation promptly could lead to damage to the cotton crop in the coming days. Farmers must remain alert and take immediate action to manage the pest effectively to avoid potential yield losses. SABC has urged cotton farmers to adopt science-backed measures to effectively manage and control the growing menace of green leafhoppers (jassids), such as regular field monitoring, accurate pest identification, and assessing infestation severity. It has been recommended to use neem-based bio-insecticides or other eco-friendly, organic pesticides to manage mild infestations. Spray during early morning or late evening when the wind is calm. Ensure thorough coverage, especially on the underside of leaves, where pests usually hide. Eliminate weeds within the field and along borders, as they serve as alternative hosts for leafhoppers and other pests. MSID:: 123021342 413 |
New Indian Express
31-07-2025
- Science
- New Indian Express
Leafhopper outbreak in decade hits North India's cotton belt
A severe outbreak of leafhopper pests, commonly known as jassids, in the cotton fields of North India could significantly impact the country's already declining cotton production. A recent field survey conducted by the South Asia Biotechnology Centre revealed a massive infestation of green leafhoppers, referred to locally as hara tela, in key cotton-growing districts. These areas include Hisar, Fatehabad, and Sirsa in Haryana, as well as Mansa, Bathinda, Abohar, and Fazilka in Punjab, and Hanumangarh and Sri Ganganagar in Rajasthan. The survey was part of the Bandhan project, a programme run by government institutions such as the Central Institute of Cotton Research and various State Agriculture Universities, in collaboration with local non-profit organisations. The aim of this project is to assist farmers in combating Pink Bollworm pests in cotton crops. The survey team, consisting of scientists, found infestation levels of 12–15 leafhoppers per leaf—significantly above the Economic Threshold Level (ETL). The team further noted that an alarming number of cotton leaf injuries exceeded ETL, based on the damage grading system. For the past three consecutive weeks, green leafhopper (jassid) populations have exceeded ETL, allegedly triggering widespread yellowing of leaf margins and downward curling—classic symptoms of jassid attack. Scientists attribute the outbreak to a confluence of weather conditions, including above-average rainfall, an increased number of rainy days, persistent humidity, and cloud cover, all of which have allegedly created ideal conditions for jassid proliferation. Fields were graded 3 to 4 based on the ICAR-CICR infestation scale, indicating severe to extreme damage. Experts confirm this is the worst outbreak in a decade in the North cotton-growing zone. 'The leafhopper infestation has emerged at a time when the cotton crop stands, and overall condition, are significantly better than in the past three to four years. The crop appears robust across the northern region, except in late-sown areas of Sri Ganganagar, where irrigation was unavailable during the sowing period,' noted Dr Bhagirath Choudhary, Founder & Director of South Asia Biotechnology Centre's High-Tech R&D Station, Sirsa, Haryana. The survey team noted that failure to control this green leafhopper infestation promptly could lead to substantial damage to the cotton crop in the coming days. Farmers must remain alert and take immediate action to manage the pest effectively to avoid potential yield losses. The field team was led by scientists and cotton experts including Dr Dilip Monga, Dr Bhagirath Choudhary, Dr Naresh, Deepak Jakhar, and KS Bhardwaj.
Indian Express
26-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Climate change likely to reduce rainfed rice yields by 20% during 2050s and 10-47% during 2080s: Centre reply in Rajya Sabha
The climate change especially irregular rainfall patterns and high temperature is likely to affect the productivity of crops significantly in future, said the union ministry of agriculture and farmers welfare in a reply to a query in Rajya Sabha during the ongoing monsoon session of the Parliament, Friday. Responding to a query if the government is aware of how climate change can impact agricultural productivity, Bhagirath Choudhary, the minister of state for agriculture, replied that a study has been conducted to assess the impact of climate change on productivity of crops. 'Yes, the Government implements ICAR flagship network project 'National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture' (NICRA) to study the impact of climate change on agriculture including crops, livestock, horticulture and fisheries. Study revealed that in the absence of adaptation measures, climate change is likely to reduce rainfed rice yields by 20% during 2050's and 10-47% during 2080's. Irrigated rice yields projected to be reduced by 3.5% during 2050's and 5% during 2080's. Wheat yield is also likely to be reduced by 19.3% during 2050's and 40% during 2080's. Kharif maize yields projected to be reduced by 10-19% during 2050's and >20% during 2080's,' said the minister. 'Climate change especially irregular rainfall patterns and high temperatures is likely to affect the productivity of horticultural crops. For example, 36.6% yield loss in onion occurs by continuous six days water logging, high temperature stress of >40°C during flowering stage in tomato causes 65% yield loss, 1.5-2 degree rise in winter temperatures leads to shifting of apple cultivation from low to high altitudes and results in 30% yield reduction. Similarly, increasing temperature due to climate change is likely to impact livestock production and animal health resulting into a decline in productivity in terms of milk, meat, wool and draught power. Further, a rise in temperature just by 1°C would cause a profound impact on survival and geographical distribution of different fresh water and marine fish species. Brackish water aquaculture is moderately vulnerable to seasonal variations (20-40% loss) and highly vulnerable to extreme weather events (EWEs) like a flood, heavy rains and cyclones (50 to 100% loss),' the minister said. On the steps that are being taken to make farmers aware of climate-resilient agricultural technologies, the minister further said: 'The Government has undertaken steps to develop and out-scale climate-resilient agricultural technologies through Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW). The Government has developed various climate-resilient agricultural technologies viz. promotion of climate resilient varieties [2661 tolerant varieties (cereals 1258; oilseeds 368; pulses 410; fibre crops 358; forage crops 157, sugarcane 88 and other crops 22) developed, since 2014], resilient cropping systems, conservation agriculture, crop diversification, agroforestry systems, zero till drill sowing, alternate methods of rice cultivation, green manuring, integrated nutrient and pest management, organic farming, site specific nutrient management, in-situ moisture conservation, supplementary irrigation, micro-irrigation, sub-surface drainage and soil amendments. These technologies are demonstrated in 151 districts through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs).' 'To help farmers in building resilience against extreme weather events and ensure long-term agricultural sustainability in the country, the Government of India implements National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) through DA&FW, which is one of the Missions within the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPC),' he added.
India Gazette
18-05-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
"There's anger against terrorism": Union Minister Bhagirath Choudhary amid calls for boycott of trade relations with Turkey, Azerbaijan
Ajmer (Rajasthan) [India], May 18 (ANI): Amid calls for boycott of trade relations with Turkey and Azerbaijan for supporting Pakistan during the recent conflict with India, Union Minister of State (MoS) Bhagirath Choudhary on Sunday said there is anger against nations across the country that are supporting the terrorism. 'Across the country, there is anger against terrorism and those who support terrorism. Turkey has openly come out in support (of Pakistan). In every sector, those who are engaged in marble, granite are calling for a boycott of all (countries) that support terrorism,' Choudhary told ANI. As India takes a firm stand against countries that extended support to Pakistan during the recent conflict between the two countries, the traders in Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior have decided to boycott any form of trade relations with Turkey and Azerbaijan. Bhupendra Jain, president of the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) in Madhya Pradesh, said they have decided to end trade with Turkey and Azerbaijan for 'helping Pakistan'. He added that the CAIT has decided to conclude import-export business with Turkey while also opposing tourism to the middle eastern country. 'We have decided to teach a lesson to Turkey and Azerbaijan, the countries that helped Pakistan. We helped Turkey in the earthquake through Operation Dost. Today, it helped our enemy and fired shells, drones and missiles at us,' Jain told ANI. 'Trade with Azerbaijan and Turkey has been stopped. Three decisions have been taken in CAIT. First, we will not import or export anything. Second, we are opposing tourism in Turkey. Third, national-level filmmaker, director, producer should not shoot films in Turkey or Azerbaijan,' he added. In a strong retaliatory move against Turkey and Azerbaijan's open support to Pakistan, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) on Friday announced a complete boycott of trade with Turkey and Azerbaijan. Speaking after a national conference of trade leaders, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP and CAIT Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal said, 'A collective decision has been taken in the conference of trade leaders today to end all trade with Turkey and Azerbaijan. The reason is clear -- Turkey and Azerbaijan have openly supported Pakistan against India.' Meanwhile, the Bangalore Wholesale Cloth Merchants' Association (BWCMA) has announced that it will cease all textile trade with Turkey and Azerbaijan with immediate effect. The trade suspension will continue until further notice, and any changes will be announced by the Association's governing body, the letter stated. (ANI)
