The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Virus affects black gram crop

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Wednesday, Dec 26, 2007
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Virus affects black gram crop

G. Ravikiran

Krishna district ryots suffer huge loss

GUDIVADA: For the first time in many decades, farmers in Krishna district are suffering losses on account of their black gram crop being affected by yellow mosaic virus. The leaves are turning yellowish and the growth is getting stunted, inflicting total damage on the crop.

“I have not seen this kind of a disease in my life. I’m 74 years old now and this problem has surprised me. The entire crop is lost,” says V. Mohana Rao, a farmer belonging to Punadipadu village in Krishna delta.

The farmers say that the virus has infected the crop a few weeks ago when the weather was not very much favourable. Agricultural scientists say that the virus was found in some other areas in the State sometime back, but it is being found in Krishna district for the first time.

The virus attack has dampened the spirits of farmers who are jubilant about good paddy yield in the range of 30 to 35 bags from each acre of crop. The second crop has dealt a severe blow to their expectations, even as the rising cost of cultivation has come as an unbearable burden for them. Srinivasa Rao, a tenant farmer, says he has spent Rs. 1,500 an acre on black gram crop so far and there is no trace of getting even a rupee back.

Mr. Das wants the government to take steps for providing support and expertise to farmers to follow better crop management practices at the right time as it will serve to minimise damage and help farmers a great deal.

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