Sangrur, October 16, 2025: As the paddy harvesting season nears in Punjab’s Malwa region, farmers in Sangrur and Malerkotla districts are grappling with massive crop losses due to the dwarf virus.
According to data from the agriculture department, 5,475 acres in Sangrur and 860 acres in Malerkotla have been affected, while neighbouring Barnala has reported zero cases.
The disease stunts the plant’s growth, dries it completely, and leaves the crop without a single grain. Farmers who invested in government-recommended varieties are now facing financial distress with no immediate relief in sight.
Amrik Singh, a farmer from Hambalwas village in Sangrur, said, “Two acres of my farmland have been affected completely. I used sprays to prevent the virus, but it didn’t work. The damage has cost me ₹1.6 lakh.”
Karnail Singh from Dhandial village reported that four out of his 10 acres were destroyed. “I sowed PR 128 and PR 131 varieties using the direct sowing method. The officials visited and confirmed total damage but said compensation will depend on government orders,” he said.
Agriculture development officer Narinderpal Singh confirmed that the virus leads to zero yield. “There is no compensation announced yet; our role is to report the extent of damage to headquarters,” he said.
Officials added that while the dwarf virus has been reported earlier in Ropar and Fatehgarh Sahib, this is the first time Sangrur has seen such a sharp spike in cases.
