As Paddy Panicles Emerge, Farmers Warned Against Kernel Smut Disease As paddy panicles emerge, the risk of kernel smut disease has increased, and an agriculture expert in Raebareli has outlined ways farmers can protect their crop. As paddy fields across Raebareli begin sending out their first panicles, farmers are entering one of the most delicate stages of the crop cycle, the point at which kernel smut disease starts posing a serious threat. The disease attacks the panicles and grains directly, and if left unchecked it can hurt both the final yield and the quality of the grain. With soil moisture running high and the weather swinging unpredictably this season, agriculture officials are urging growers to stay alert. Why the Risk Rises Just as Panicles Emerge Shiv Shankar Verma, in charge of the Government Agriculture Centre at Shivgarh in Raebareli district, explains that excess moisture in the field combined with frequent shifts in weather creates ideal conditions for this fungal disease right when the panicles are emerging. If farmers fail to act at this early stage, the infection can spread quickly and take over the entire panicle. According to him, regular field monitoring, balanced fertiliser use and proper water management remain the first and most effective line of defence. Why Daily Field Inspection Matters Verma says that once the panicles start forming, farmers should inspect their fields every single day. In cases of kernel smut, the grain is replaced by an abnormal-looking growth, which later develops a visible fungal coating. He stresses that these early signs should never be brushed aside, since a delay allows the disease to spread fast enough to bring down the crop's overall output. Waterlogged Fields Can Make Things Worse Standing water and excess moisture in paddy fields effectively roll out the red carpet for fungal infections. Continuous dampness gives diseases like kernel smut the perfect environment to take hold. That is why, during the panicle and flowering stage, irrigation should match the crop's actual need rather than letting water accumulate unnecessarily. Proper water management alone can significantly cut down the chances of infection. Infected Panicles Must Be Removed Right Away If symptoms show up on any plant or panicle, Verma recommends carefully cutting away the affected part and destroying it well away from the field. Leaving infected remains lying in the field raises the risk of the disease spreading to healthy plants nearby. Keeping the field clean and continuously watching for diseased plants is, in his words, a key part of prevention. Too Much Nitrogen Fertiliser Adds to the Danger Applying more nitrogen-based fertiliser than the paddy crop needs can speed up plant growth, but it also raises the odds of disease. For that reason, urea and other fertilisers should be used in balanced quantities, strictly on the advice of agriculture experts. A proper mix of potash and other essential nutrients helps plants grow stronger and better equipped to resist disease. Spray Only on Expert Advice If symptoms of kernel smut or any other fungal disease appear, farmers can protect their crop by spraying Propiconazole 25% EC. Even so, it is important to consult an agriculture expert before applying any chemical, so that the dosage and timing of the spray are right for the crop. What this means for you If farmers do not take precautions at this stage, both the paddy yield and the quality of the grain could take a direct hit. • Across India: Paddy-growing regions everywhere are currently at the panicle stage, so every farmer should inspect their field daily to catch kernel smut before it spreads. • In Raebareli: Farmers can reach out directly to the Government Agriculture Centre at Shivgarh for free advice suited to the local soil and weather conditions. • Cost impact: Balanced fertiliser use and timely spraying can save farmers from bigger crop losses and the expense of repeated chemical purchases later. • Water use: Avoiding unnecessary irrigation helps protect the crop while also conserving water. • Chemical use: Farmers should not spray Propiconazole 25% EC or similar chemicals without expert advice, since the wrong dosage can end up damaging the crop further. Questions & Answers 1. What is kernel smut disease? It is a fungal disease that affects paddy panicles and grains, hurting both crop yield and grain quality. 2. When does the risk of this disease peak? The risk is highest right when the paddy panicles start emerging. 3. What are the symptoms of kernel smut? The grain is replaced by an abnormal-looking growth, which later develops a visible fungal coating. 4. Which chemical can be sprayed to prevent it? Farmers can spray Propiconazole 25% EC on expert advice to protect the crop. 5. What happens if too much nitrogen fertiliser is used? It speeds up plant growth but also increases the risk of disease. 6. What should be done with infected plants or panicles? They should be carefully cut, removed from the field and destroyed to stop the disease from spreading. 7. Who gave this advice? The advice comes from Shiv Shankar Verma, in charge of the Government Agriculture Centre at Shivgarh in Raebareli district. https://trendkia.com/en/national/dhana-ki-bali-nikalate-hi-kndua-roga-ka-khatara-kisana-aise-bachaen-phasala-28774 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.