CH NEWS, MANGALURU
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has assured MP 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.
The Minister shared this information in response to a matter raised by Capt Chowta in the Lok Sabha under Rule 377.
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 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 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.
