Yellowing disease in paddy and maize crops echoes in Himachal assembly

The growing concern over yellowing disease in paddy and maize crops was raised in the Himachal Pradesh Assembly on Thursday, with legislators seeking immediate action to safeguard farmers’ interests.
During Zero Hour, MLA Kewal Singh Pathania drew the House’s attention to the alarming spread of the disease in Shahpur and several adjoining areas.
He said large sections of crops had been destroyed, causing immense hardship to farmers who depend on these harvests for their livelihood. Stressing the need for urgent intervention, he asked the government to clarify how the affected cultivators would be compensated for the losses.
He also pressed for sending a team of agricultural experts to the affected fields to conduct a thorough assessment.
Replying to the issue, Agriculture Minister Chander Kumar acknowledged the seriousness of the problem, explaining that the yellowing was primarily caused by a fall armyworm infestation.
The pest has damaged between 20 to 50 percent of maize and paddy crops in several areas, he said. Scientists from agricultural universities have already studied the outbreak and advised spraying antibiotics and other medicines to curb its spread.
Field visits are being carried out regularly, but the pest is spreading at a fast pace, particularly in regions experiencing higher temperatures.
The minister informed the Assembly that the government is taking steps to amend the Relief Manual so that crop losses exceeding 30 percent can be brought under compensation provisions and at present, no such clause exists.
Once incorporated, this will allow relief measures for affected farmers, he said.
Kumar also added that agricultural scientists are engaged in ongoing research to develop effective long-term strategies to control the pest and minimize its recurrence in future seasons.
He assured the House that the government is committed to addressing the crisis both through immediate containment measures and by ensuring relief to farmers who have suffered substantial damage.

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