Kaithal, July 25: The dreaded ‘stunting’ virus—scientifically known as Southern Rice Black-Streaked Dwarf Virus (SRBSDV)—has now taken root in Kaithal, infecting hundreds of acres of early transplanted paddy just weeks after sweeping through Karnal, Kurukshetra, Ambala and Yamunanagar districts.
Commonly known as the dwarf or Fiji virus, it is transmitted by the white-backed planthopper pest and is wreaking havoc on high-yielding paddy varieties such as PR-114, PR-128, PR-131 and hybrids.
“Symptoms like stunted plant height, brittle brown roots and dark green leaves typically show up 20–30 days after transplanting. Infected plants fail to absorb nutrients properly and are easily uprooted,” said Dr Babu Lal, Deputy Director Agriculture (DDA), Kaithal.
He said field inspections were underway, and the Agriculture Department, along with Haryana Agriculture University (HAU), Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), and scientists from the Rice Research Station at Kaul, is preparing a damage assessment report. “We’re calculating the number of affected farmers and acreage,” he said.
Preliminary estimates suggest that 400–500 acres have already been affected in Kaithal, and about 400 acres in Karnal. Experts have warned that current climatic conditions—temperatures between 28°C and 35°C, coupled with high humidity—are ideal for the virus to spread further.
“The virus is extremely aggressive this year. We are urging farmers to inspect fields twice daily and act immediately on spotting symptoms,” said Dr Wazir Singh, DDA, Karnal.
The advisory issued to farmers includes spraying 120 grams of Chess, or 80 grams of Osheen/Token per acre, diluted in 200 litres of water. Infected plants must be uprooted and buried, bunds and field drains cleaned, and waterlogging avoided to curb the spread.
“We’ve conducted training sessions in Kaithal, and another is scheduled soon in Karnal,” said Dr Maha Singh, Senior Coordinator, KVK Karnal and Kaithal. “Our team is on the ground, and detailed advisories have been issued through the Rice Research Station at Kaul.”
Distressed by the outbreak, many farmers have started ploughing under damaged crops and transplanting again—an expensive and time-consuming process.
“The government must compensate farmers for this loss. The financial burden is too much, especially after rising input costs,” said Bhadur Singh Mehla, spokesperson for the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Sir Chhotu Ram faction).
Farmers are being urged to stay in constant contact with local agriculture officials and report any early signs of infection promptly.
