Baramulla: Farmers in several areas of Baramulla district have expressed concern after a mysterious disease affected standing paddy crops, raising fears of yield losses and financial hardship.
Growers from Zamzampora, Zandfaran, Sheeri, Rafiabad and Uri said symptoms of the disease appeared suddenly in paddy fields, with several plants showing visible signs of deterioration. They fear the problem could spread further if timely preventive measures are not taken.
Paddy cultivation is a major source of livelihood for farmers in the district. The affected growers said any substantial damage to the crop could result in significant losses at a crucial stage of the cultivation season.
Agriculture experts said paddy crops are susceptible to diseases such as blast, brown spot and sheath blight. However, they stressed that the exact nature of the disease can only be determined after field inspections and laboratory analysis of crop samples.
Farmers have urged the Agriculture Department to immediately send expert teams to the affected areas, collect samples and identify the cause of the disease. They have also sought guidance on appropriate treatment and preventive measures to protect the crop.
They said early intervention is necessary to contain the spread of the disease, safeguard unaffected fields and minimise losses.
Some farmers suspect that pests and insects may be responsible for the damage.
Agricultural expert Dr. Hamid Ali Khan cautioned against drawing conclusions without scientific assessment. He advised farmers not to spray pesticides indiscriminately and to seek technical guidance from experts.
“Symptoms visible in the affected fields should not be linked to any particular disease without proper field inspection and laboratory examination. Early diagnosis and timely management are essential to prevent further spread and minimise crop losses,” he said.