Shimla, March 31 (IANS): A fungal disease called yellow rust, caused by the untimely heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh, has partially affected the wheat crop in five districts, a minister said on Tuesday.
Agriculture Minister Sujan Singh Pathania told the assembly: "Yellow rust has partially hit wheat crop in 29 hectares. But there is no report about total damage to the crop."
He said Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Mandi and Una districts were hit.
Experts attribute the rise in fungal diseases to high humidity with fluctuating temperatures.
He said 55,264 quintal of a seed variety that was more prone to the infection was provided to the farmers this year.
The agriculture department has phased out 20 wheat varieties that are prone to yellow rust.