Bhilwara Gram Crop Hit by Ugtha Disease, Agriculture Scientists to Survey Farms
Teams of scientists from the agriculture department are set to conduct a comprehensive survey of farms in Bhilwara district that have reported the devastating "Ugtha" disease, also known as root drying, in gram crops. This disease severely affects plant roots, causing standing crops to dry up prematurely, leading to substantial agricultural losses.
Extent of the Crop Damage
The gram crop, sown as the main Rabi season crop this year, covers approximately 98,000 hectares in Bhilwara district, according to official reports. The disease has been identified in multiple areas, including Gulabpura, Shahpura, Phuliya Kala, Khari Ka Lamba, Gageda, Sareri, and Taswariya, indicating a widespread issue that requires immediate attention.
Official Response and Farmer Concerns
Vinod Kumar Jain, the joint director of the agriculture department in Bhilwara, announced on Thursday that specialized teams of scientists will soon be formed to visit affected farmers' fields. Their mission is to assess the situation thoroughly and compile a detailed report for headquarters, aiming to develop strategies to mitigate the impact.
Farmer Ramkumar Jat expressed deep distress over the situation, stating, "We had sown gram crop on 18 bighas with great hopes, but due to the root drying disease, the plants are drying up. This disease has spread for the first time here." He added, "This time god has turned away from us, but we are hoping that the government will provide some help to farmers." Jat highlighted that the crop deterioration is so severe in some places that farmers may barely recover the costs of ploughing and labor.
Prevention and Agricultural Advice
Jain emphasized that the disease cannot be treated in standing crops, making prevention crucial. He advised farmers to adopt several key practices to reduce future risks:
- Seed Treatment: Always treat seeds before sowing to prevent disease onset.
- Soil Moisture Management: Ensure there is no excess moisture in the soil at the time of sowing.
- Crop Rotation: Implement crop rotation to avoid continuous sowing of the same crop, which increases pest and disease incidence and reduces yield.
Jain noted that approximately 80% of diseases in the area occur due to untreated seeds, underscoring the importance of proper agricultural techniques. The upcoming survey aims to provide data-driven insights to help farmers combat this issue and safeguard their livelihoods in the Rabi season.
