Haryana farmers spray liquor to check aphid attack on wheat

Karnal, Mar 23 (UNI) Frustrated with the futile results of chemical sprays to contain the 'aphid' attack on wheat crop, the farmers in the district have resorted to spraying country made liquor on the standing crop.

The farmers in the district may suffere a 10 per cent grain loss due to the 'aphid' attack which is caused by the indifferent weather conditions during this season.

Agriculture experts opine that the disease was caused by 'chepa', an insect, which eats the stem and leaves of the wheat plant.

With chemical sprays not having the desired results the farmers have taken to spraying of country made liquor, 'desi sharab' and it has helped in checking the attack to a certain extent. Around four bottles of the liquor costing just Rs 160 are sprayed on one hectare, Rajender Kumar a farmer of Aungad village stated today.

Amarnath, another farmer of Chakda village said the insect (chepa) responsible for the attack falls off the plants when liquor is sprayed.

Agriculture scientists while conceding that the move might expedite the growth of the wheat plant due to the presence of ethanol in the liquor, it may, however not eliminate the insect.

Terming the use of liquor as a 'misconception' on the part of the farmers deputy director, agriculture Dr S S Dahiya said spray of 500 gm of Endosuiphan per hectare might help in checking aphid.

UNI XC HS RP KN1541