Karnataka Seeks Rs 197 cr from Centre to Conduct Research & Control Areanut Crop Disease

Yellow leaf disease is a common problem in arecanut plantations. This disease is cancerous and kills the plant slowly over a period of 6 to 7 years, with yield decreasing each year.

Phytoplasma, a pathogen that spreads through plant hoppers, usually causes the leaves of the arecanut plant to turn yellow & dry.

An expert committee formed by the Union Ministry of Agriculture, which recently visited disease-affected areas in the state, has stated that in-depth research is required to control the disease.

Last year, a delegation of BJP leaders from the Malnad region led by Home Minister Araga Jnanendra and former Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa met with Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar and asked him to appoint a team of scientists to study the disease and recommend remedies.

Leaf spot disease has been spreading like wildfire in recent days, affecting crops on 20,000 hectares across the state. Because the disease spreads through the wind, it is very likely that the disease will spread to more areas in the coming days, threatening the very existence of areca crops.

Farmers who are unable to bear the loss are committing suicide, according to the delegation in a memorandum submitted to the minister.

"Arecanut is grown on approximately 12 lakh hectares across the country, with a production of approximately 12 lakh tonnes valued at approximately Rs 54,000 crore.

Karnataka contributes approximately 9.5 lakh tonnes worth approximately Rs 43,000 crore. It employs approximately 50 lakh people in the state,” according to the memorandum.