Andaman sounds caution against outbreak of paddy crop disease

Port Blair, Aug 22 (UNI) The Agriculture department in Andaman and Nicobar has cautioned the farmers especially the paddy growers against the outbreak of bacterial leaf blight, a crop disease.

'' Recently some incidences of mild outbreak of the disease have been noticed in the paddy fields of Middle Andaman, hence the farmers were advised to take care of their field, M A Salam, Director, Andaman Agriculture Department, told UNI today.

A roving survey estimates about 255 hectare of land were affected by the disease, he said.

The bacterial disease causes damage to plants by yellowing and drying the leaves resulting in reduction in yield, he added.

The disease is caused by the presence of weeds, rice stubbles and rations of infected plants, warm temperature, high humidity, he informed.

Meanwhile the agriculture department has deputed high level team in the villages to assist farmers.

Kisan call centres had also been advised to extend full- cooperation to the farmers.

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