Paddy cultivation is a primary agricultural activity for farmers in Saharanpur, with Basmati being the most widely grown variety. Alongside this, many farmers have also sown early paddy crops, which are currently heading towards maturity. However, fields are currently facing severe agricultural challenges, with crops drying up from the roots and once-healthy green leaves rapidly turning yellow.
Identifying Crop Hazards: What Farmers Need to Watch Out For
These problems can stem from various underlying issues, including severe pest infestations. If mosquito-like pests known as hoppers attack the crop, the damage can escalate rapidly. Speaking to TrendKia, experts warned that early detection of these symptoms is crucial. If farmers fail to spot these warning signs in time, the infection can engulf the entire field, ruining the current harvest and potentially leaving pathogens that affect future crops as well.
Effective Solutions Recommended by Dr. I.K. Kushwaha
To guide farmers through this crisis, Dr. I.K. Kushwaha, Professor and In-charge of the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, spoke with TrendKia to share actionable advice. He recommended that if the upper parts of the paddy plants show signs of drying, farmers should immediately spray Copper Oxychloride. This fungicide should be applied at a concentration of 2 grams per liter of water, preferably during the evening hours to achieve the best results.
Furthermore, Dr. I.K. Kushwaha explained that the yellowing of leaves often indicates a deficiency in essential micronutrients. Farmers can easily resolve this by purchasing and spraying suitable micronutrient formulas available in the market.
Tackling Hopper Burn with Targeted Spraying
Another major threat to paddy fields is the infestation of mosquito-like hopper insects. These pests create tiny rings on the plants, leading to gradual drying, a condition widely known as Hopper Burn.
To combat this, Dr. I.K. Kushwaha advised applying appropriate chemical insecticides. However, he emphasized a crucial technique: the pesticide must only be sprayed on the specific patches where the rings are visible. Spraying the entire field indiscriminately can cause the pests to scatter, spreading the infestation to healthy parts of the crop and multiplying the damage.
