Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Dec 28: Arecanut growers along the coastal belt are facing yet another setback with the outbreak of leaf spot disease in plantations, posing a major challenge to crop management. The disease has begun affecting yields, raising fears of a decline in production.

Leaf spot disease, which usually appears during the monsoon and subsides in summer, has spread extensively this year due to heavy and prolonged rainfall. Infected arecanut palms are showing dried fronds, and farmers are struggling to carry out spraying operations effectively.

Plantations in Bantwal and Puttur areas of Dakshina Kannada district have been affected by the disease. Farmers say that despite their efforts, it has not been possible to bring the leaf spot disease fully under control.

Arecanut palms require continuous spraying, and within a few days, the crop itself will also need to be sprayed. When labour costs, medicines and related expenses are taken into account, the overall expenditure has increased significantly, adding to the burden on growers. Arecanut farmer Ramesh from Puttur has urged the department to take concrete measures to ensure effective control of the disease.

Officials said that the spread of the disease is currently under control as rainfall has reduced. They added that the department is in constant touch with farmers and is providing necessary guidance and technical advice to those affected.