Daijiworld Media Network – Sullia (MS)
Sullia, Dec 12: Horticulture minister Muniratna said, “I have viewed arecanut farms infested with leaf dot and yellow leaf disease. Farmers have suffered huge losses because of this. Research needs to be done as to why this disease is affecting the arecanut crop. Attempts will be made to find solution with the scientists of Israel, when I visit there next month.”
The minister visited arecanut farms at Markanja of the taluk on Sunday December 11 and spoke to the media. He also said that Rs four crore is released to spray pesticide and a proposal is sent to the chief minister to release further Rs 15 crore.
“It is known that the leaf that are affected with dots should be cut and pesticide should be sprayed in order to save the crop. But this needs to be done by the neighbouring farm owners also. The government is giving subsidy to buy Doti for this purpose. Discussion has been held to provide compensation to farmers who have suffered losses,” said Muniratna.
Attempts will be made to develop breed of arecanut which will not be affected by disease, he informed.
Fisheries minister S Angara, Markanja gram panchayat president Pavithra Gundi and BJP Mandala committee president Harish Kanjipili were present.