Patiala paddy dwarf virus has damaged nearly 8,000 acres of farmland in over 100 villages. Early-sown varieties suffered the most, leaving plants stunted and grainless.
Health Minister Balbir Singh, MLA from Patiala (Rural), said this year’s excess rainfall and moisture worsened the outbreak. He visited villages including Lang, Lachkani, New Fatehpur, Bakshiwala, Dandrala Khurd, Lout, Allowal, and Sidhuwal to inspect crops affected by the dwarf virus and false smut disease.
Experts recommend draining excess water, using zinc, and spraying insecticides to control white-backed plant hoppers that spread the virus. Balbir Singh assured farmers that he discussed the issue with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian to provide maximum support.
Early-sown paddy, transplanted before June 25 — especially PR 131, PR 132, and PR 114 varieties — faced severe stunting. False smut can be controlled by spraying Cocide 2000 at 500 gm per acre before panicle emergence.
The Health Minister urged farmers to stay in touch with agricultural experts. “Timely preventive measures can protect crops,” he said. The government is closely monitoring the situation and taking all steps to reduce losses.
