Severe Blight Disease Ravages 70% of Tomato Crop in Patiala District

Farmers in Sanaur, Patiala district, are grappling with substantial losses as their tomato and potato crops suffer from a damaging outbreak of blight disease. The farmers attribute the onset of the disease to unfavorable weather conditions and persistent fog. With an estimated 70% crop damage across Patiala, the situation is particularly dire.

In regions where the damage is less severe, the Horticulture Department, in consultation with experts from the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), is recommending chemical sprays. Navneet Kaur, the Horticulture Development Officer in Patiala, highlighted the need for immediate action, emphasizing that a report on the extent of the damage would be submitted to the government. The affected area in Sanaur alone spans approximately 600 acres, and the blight disease is contributing to decreased yields, potentially leading to a rise in prices.

Farmers in the affected regions are urging the state government to provide compensation for the losses incurred due to adverse weather conditions. Blight disease, known to primarily impact tomatoes and potatoes, spreads rapidly once it takes hold, particularly in wet weather conditions that favor the development of the fungus.

Experts are advising farmers to utilize recommended fungicides as a preventive measure against extensive crop damage. The late-sown tomato crops are reported to be the most severely affected at present. Despite efforts to use fungicides, farmers like Sahib Singh from Khudda village report complete destruction of their 60-acre tomato crop.

Manvinder Singh from Fatehpur village echoes the concerns, stating that his six-acre crop has fallen victim to the blight disease. He calls for officials to conduct a comprehensive damage assessment and ensure that farmers receive the necessary support to mitigate their losses.

Horticulture Development Officer Navneet Kaur, along with a team of experts from PAU Ludhiana, has conducted on-site assessments in the affected villages and prepared a detailed report. The PAU experts are advising farmers to adhere to recommended practices to prevent further harmful impacts of late blight on their crops.

Kaur emphasizes that the tomato crop damage in Patiala is estimated at around 70%, with chemical sprays recommended in areas where the damage is below 50%. She commits to submitting a comprehensive report to the department for necessary action on Monday.