A comprehensive report, submitted by a joint team from Punjab Agricultural University, Central Integrated Pest Management (CPIM), Jalandhar, and the State Horticulture Department, has confirmed significant crop loss due to a fungal outbreak in Sanaur. The report, handed over to Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney, suggests a devastating 70-80% loss in crop yield across almost 1,000 acres of farmland in 11 villages.

The report will be used as the basis for subsequent girdawari and harvest inspections in the affected villages, and will also help to determine the necessary compensation for farmers who have suffered such extensive crop loss. Concurrently, a team under the supervision of the Sanaur sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) has submitted a preliminary report to the Deputy Commissioner detailing the extent of the area affected by the late blight attack.

The task force, spearheaded by Assistant Director (Horticulture) Sandeep Grewal, Krishi Vigyan Kendar (KVK) in-charge Gurupdesh Kaur, and Ankit Kumar from CPIM, conducted on-site assessments in Fatehpur Rajputa, Asarpur and Lalena villages on Tuesday to evaluate the impact of the late blight on the tomato crop.

Horticulture Development Officer (HDO) Navneet Kaur revealed that several villages including Fathepur Rajputa, Asarpur, Khudda, Kartarpur, Boser Khurd, Nur Kherian, Lalena, Piunia and Sanaur, have suffered extensive crop loss. “The most significant damage, exceeding 80%, was observed in Fatehpur Rajputa and Asarpur,” she stated. The popular tomato variety Himshekhar has been the most affected. Department insiders attribute the extensive damage to a delayed identification of the fungal attack and subsequent delay in the application of fungicides.

Late blight, caused by the phytophthora infestans fungus, is a prevalent disease that significantly damages tomato crops and can lead to rapid crop failure if not properly managed. Over the past month, the nocturnal temperature in the region has consistently remained between 10 to 20 degrees Celsius coupled with near 100% humidity. The presence of rain and fog during this period has created the optimal conditions for the spread of the disease.

Source - https://www.freshplaza.com