Paddy farmers worried about bacterial blight in Karimnagar

Though adequate water was not available in irrigation projects in the beginning of the present Vanakalam season, a majority of the farmers sowed paddy anticipating good water supply.

Karimnagar: Farmers are worried over incidence of bacterial blight on the paddy crops in the district. Sudden change in the climate and excessive use of Urea are cited as reasons for the paddy being infected by bacterial blight. Besides bacterial blight, the crop is also suffering from Zinc deficiency. A majority of the farmers in the erstwhile Karimnagar district are cultivating paddy during the last ten years since water sources have been developed with the completion of irrigation projects.

Though adequate water was not available in irrigation projects in the beginning of the present Vanakalam season, a majority of the farmers sowed paddy anticipating good water supply. As expected , all water bodies including major irrigation projects, tanks and ponds were filled with copious water following the recent incessant rains. Agricultural wells and borewells are also having adequate water following the recharge of groundwater table.

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Though the rain filled water bodies, it brought major change in the climate, subsequent infections to standing crops such as paddy, cotton, maize, redgram and a few vegetables crops. Farmers, who felt happy with recent rains, are somehow disappointed since the streaks of the paddy plants have been damaged due to bacterial blight infection. Though agricultural department officials are advising to spray Plantomycin to overcome the problem, farmers are worried over the decline of yield.

Speaking to Telangana Today, a farmer Anjaiah from Shankarapatnam said that change in temperature was the main reason for the crop being infected by insects. Even if Plantomycin was sprayed, the yield would decline, he feared. Chief Scientist and Head, Jammikunta Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Dr N Venkateshwar Rao confirmed that change in the climate and excess utilization of Urea were some reasons for the paddy being infected by bacterial blight.

He advised the farmers to spray 0.2 grams of Plantomycin by mixing in liter water. It should be done twice within one week. To overcome zinc deficiency, two grams of Zinc Sulfate should be sprayed, he advised.