Pawar to call for report about virus affecting farms

Pune, Nov 5 (UNI) Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar today said he will call for a report on the two viruses affecting farms across Maharashtra.

Talking to mediapersons here, Mr Pawar said, ''I was not aware of the virus, only today a section of the press has reported it. The state government has not imported any of the seeds and even if any consignment arrives, the material is kept for a stipulated period in warehouses. Anyway, I have asked for a report on the matter from the Pune based-National research Centre for Grapes.'' Maharashtra accounts for 94 per cent of the country's wine. Two viruses detected as 'leafroll' and 'rugose wood complex' have infected varieties like Chardonnay, Ugni Blanc, Pinot Noir, Vermintino and Roussance imported from France and Italy.

The viruses, blamed on imported plants, were first detected in 2002 and fresh cases have been reported this year.

UNI