Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Aug 24: Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has assured Dakshina Kannada member of parliament Capt Brijesh Chowta that the central government is actively undertaking scientific research, field surveys, and integrated disease management measures to control diseases like leaf spot and yellow leaf affecting arecanut crops in the coastal and Malnad regions of Karnataka.
The minister shared this information in response to a matter raised by Capt Chowta in the Lok Sabha under Rule 377. In his detailed reply, Chouhan outlined the various steps initiated by the Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI) in Kasaragod to tackle the major diseases threatening arecanut plantations.
Research and field-level actions are currently underway to combat yellow leaf and leaf spot diseases. Field demonstrations of the recommended integrated disease management practices were conducted across seven clusters, including Beltangady and Sullia. Chouhan noted that following the adoption of these practices, the intensity of the disease in the affected arecanut plantations has noticeably decreased.
To control fruit rot (Koleroga) in arecanut, preventive measures involving the timely use of recommended fungicides before and during the monsoon have been developed. Field studies indicate that adhering to these measures not only reduces the incidence of the disease but also improves the overall arecanut yield, the minister stated.
Research is progressing on multiple fronts, including the control of yellow leaf disease and the adoption of better sapling planting systems. Integrated management practices are being demonstrated in farmers' fields where the disease prevalence is comparatively low, with active cooperation from the Directorate of Arecanut and Spices Development.
The agriculture ministry is closely monitoring the leaf spot disease outbreak in major arecanut-growing districts, including Dakshina Kannada, Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru, and Uttara Kannada. A national scientific committee on arecanut, formed in November 2022, reviewed these diseases and recommended integrated management strategies based on field surveys, stakeholder consultations, and scientific evaluations.
These measures recommended by research institutes are being implemented through field demonstrations in disease-affected areas under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH).
The seven clusters identified by the ministry include Sirsi, Siddapur, Beltangady, and Sullia. While individual adoption of the recommended measures has significantly reduced disease intensity, effective control of leaf spot disease requires coordinated efforts from neighbouring plantations as well. Consequently, the government is placing a strong emphasis on community-based disease management, extensive field demonstrations, farmer awareness programmes, and the widespread adoption of scientific practices, Chouhan explained.
Safeguarding the interests of arecanut farmers in the coastal and Malnad regions remains a priority. To enhance the productivity and sustainability of arecanut farming, the CPCRI in Kasaragod will continue its scientific research on major diseases and provide all necessary technical assistance and cooperation in the coming days, the union minister assured.