Karlamunda: Scanty rainfall has played spoiler for paddy crop in most parts of Kalahandi district. On top of this, low pressure-induced rain has damaged crops in some parts.
Whatever crops were spared are bearing the brunt of pest onslaught, leaving farmers worried in Karlamunda block.
They alleged that the pests keep on spreading while pesticides are ineffective to check their spread, a report said.
According to reports, pest attack on paddy has been spreading in Rinjha, Sargul, Malpada, Putigaon, Siletpada and Sishakhal panchayats.
Besides, farmers of Terchapalli, Sirabahal, Budhipadar, Kansil, Risida, Rajpur, Bor padar, Karnikhunti, Joradabara, Banjhipadar, Sapalhara, Kandarai, Bijapati and Teresinga panchayats have expressed concern over the spread of pest.
“Paddy plants are affected by a number of diseases like leaf wilting, stem borers, mahisa and rot decomposition. We are applying pesticides, but they are not working. There is no hope for saving the crops,” farmers lamented.
They pointed out that when Kharif season started this year, all activities got delayed in the area due to erratic rainfall and shortage of fertlisers.
“Despite this, we managed to raise paddy, but pest attack has become a major concern for us,” they added.
Basant Bag of Sargul, Gurekh Patel of Rinjha, Drona Sahu of Siletpada said, “We have been making all-out efforts to save the crops by applying pesticides. The agriculture department should come to our rescue and help us contain pests at this critical time.”
“If pest attack is not checked, all our efforts and money invested in paddy cultivation will go in vain,” lamented many farmers.
Farmers were disheartened to see the condition of paddy plants with leaves drooping and blighted. Asked about the problem, assistant agriculture officer Monalisa Jena said paddy has been affected by pest in some areas.
“I am making field visits and advising farmers to do what is necessary” she added.
PNN