Mysterious disease hits paddy crops

Puducherry, Nov 20 (UNI) The farmers of Villianur, Sivaranthagam and some other villages around Villianur are in a state of panic following the outbreak of a mysterious disease affecting their paddy crops, resulting in crop loss.

The farmers said they noticed that the paddy plant would not grow beyond one foot in height and the colour also changed . The yeild also came down by one-third compared to the previous harvests causing a loss to them. Initially, it was noticed at Sivaranthagam.

It then spread to Agraharam, Keezh Agraharam, Thirukkanji and Keezh Sathamangalam areas, triggering panic among the agriculturists.

Following a complaint from the farmers, officials from the agriculture department and the ''Krishi Vigayan Kendra'' visited the area and inpsected the crops. According to officials, failure of the seasonal rains might have caused the problem.

A survey was being carried out in Puducherry region to find out the exact cause.

UNI PAB VV JT KN1819