Farmer-scientist interaction to create awareness among farmers about rice stunting disease

Ludhiana, July 27, 2023: Farm Advisory Service Centre, Gurdsapur in collaboration with the department of Plant Pathology, PAU, Ludhiana organized farmers –scientist interaction in village Chib, block Kahnuwan of district Gurdaspur on 21-07-2023 for creating awareness among farmers on management of various diseases of rice especially the rice stunting disease.

At the outset, Dr. B S Dhillon, Senior Extension Scientist (SM) FASC, Gurdaspur extended a warm welcome to the experts from PAU and the farmers present on this occasion. He informed the farmers that during the season Kharif 2022-23, the problem of stunted plants in rice was reported from various parts of Punjab and other neighbouring states which affected rice crop to large extent. He also urged the farmers to take maximum advantage of the programme and discuss their crop problems with the PAU, experts.

On this occasion Dr. Mandeep Singh Hunjan, Principal Plant Bacterologist discussed in detail about the symptoms of dwarfing/stunting of rice plants with the farmers. He further informed the farmers about the pathogen Southern Rice Black-Streaked Dwarf Virus (SRBSDV) causing the disease and its spread from one plant to the other. He advised the farmers to regularly monitor the rice fields particularly the nurseries for the presence of white backed planthopper and spray recommended insecticides if needed.

Dr. Amarjit Singh, Principal Extension Scientist (Plant Pathology) apprised the farmers about the protection of rice crop from other important diseases. He gave a very detailed information about the disease symptoms, disease cycle and efficient management practices. He emphasized on the treatment of seed before nursery sowing for effective mangement of seed born diseases. He further advised the farmers that they should keep the field surroundings free from weeds and spray the fungicides at proper crop stage.

Sh Rajinder Singh Bal, DES (Plant Pathology), FASC, Gurdaspur guided the farmers regarding the identification and proper management of various insect-pests on rice crop. He further motivated the farmers about the judicious use of fertilizers, pesticides and water to conserve the natural resources.

At last, many farmers talked about the problems faced by them and had a very interactive session with the experts. Sh Surinderpal Singh, Sarpanch of village Chib thanked all the experts from PAU and the farmers. He urged the farmers to follow the recommendations of Punjab Agriculture University, Ludhiana for making the agriculture more beneficial. At last, visits were made to the fields where, the rice crop was heavily damaged by rice stunting disease during the last year.