Karimnagar farmers face twin threats: Urea shortage and bacterial leaf blight in paddy crop

Farmers in Karimnagar are reeling under a dual crisis as bacterial leaf blight infects paddy crops already stressed by a shortage of urea. The disease, triggered by erratic weather and poor crop rotation, has spread across fields sown in June and July. Agricultural experts recommend nutrient sprays, potash application, and strict water management, as no direct pesticide exists for the blight.

Karimnagar: Farmers, already grappling with a shortage of urea, are facing another setback as paddy crops have been infected by bacterial leaf blight in the district.

Following the damage caused by stem borer infestations over the last four years, the crop is now under attack from bacterial leaf blight. Paddy sown in June and July has been affected.

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The disease initially shows up as yellow patches on the leaves, which later spread, turning the entire leaf yellow. Agricultural scientists attribute the infection mainly to sudden changes in weather conditions and a drop in temperature.

Scientists have advised farmers to adopt crop management practices and spray nutrient supplements, as there is no specific pesticide to control the disease. They also recommended stopping the use of urea, drying fields by draining water, and preventing water from infected fields from flowing into other fields. Fungal growth in fields must be controlled, and constant monitoring is necessary.

It is mandatory to apply potash at the final stage of paddy cultivation, they added.

This Vanakalam (monsoon) season saw extensive paddy cultivation, with farmers opting for the crop as water was available in irrigation projects, tanks, ponds, and other sources. Agricultural wells and borewells also had sufficient water following a recharge of the groundwater table.

According to scientists, sudden climatic changes, the absence of a gap between seasonal crops, and the carryover of pests from Vanakalam to Yasangi are the key reasons for paddy being vulnerable to infections and pest attacks.