Crop Warning: Agriculture Department Cautions Wheat Farmers on Fungal Disease

The Agriculture Department has cautioned farmers to check the wheat crop regularly as yellow rust may hit the crop in mid-February. There is expectation of a steep hike in day temperature in the coming days. 

This season, around 82,000 hectares of land is under the wheat crop in Ambala. Yellow rust is a fungal disease which manifests as powdery yellow stripes on leaves. These stripes hinder photosynthesis, make the grain shrivel and stop the growth of the plant. 

According to Deputy Director of Agriculture Girish Nagpal, “Yellow rust generally hits the crop in mid-February and the farmers are advised to visit wheat fields regularly. A sudden rise in daytime temperature and low temperature during the night is conducive for fungal growth. So farmers must remain vigilant about the outbreak of yellow rust.” 

He further added, “An advisory is being issued to the farmers. The disease spreads very fast. Regular monitoring and timely prevention can effectively curb this menace. Panchkula, Ambala, Yamunanagar, some parts of Kurukshetra and Karnal are the most-prone areas where yellow rust strikes.”