Sunderbani: Farmers sensitized regarding Maize Stalk Rot by Plant health Clinic Jammu

Sunderbani: An extensive tour of Sunderbani and Soit area was conducted by Plant Health Clinic Jammu under the instructions of Joint Director of Agriculture (Extension) B. K. Chandan in wake of prevalent disease in maize crop in the area. The team led by Incharge Plant Health Clinic, Jammu, Arun Khajuria, accompanied by Plant Doctor, Chander Mohan Sharma, and AEA. Narinder, visited Panchayats Hathal, Devek, Nala, Siya, Makol for on the spot assessment of maize crop condition. After proper diagnosis, the farmers present were informed that the maize crop is suffering from Bacterial Stalk Rot which leads to lodging and ultimate poor grain filling and crop loss. The accurate control measures were also recommended to the farmers.
Arun Khajuria advised the farmers to be careful next year as there is every chance of reoccurrence of disease and sensitized the farmers about the preventive measures to be followed right from land preparation, seed treatment to crop maturity. Proper use of Potash was suggested as preventive measure against maize stalk rot. Widespread cases of Bacterial Stalk Rot are also being reported from Kathua and Udhampur.
Plant Health Clinics were organized at Hathal, Devik and Nala panchayats, which were attended by a large number of farmers with various diseased crop samples for on the spot diagnosis and recommendations.
Meanwhile, the Joint Director assured that proactive strategy involving Plant Doctors and extension agencies will be followed to ensure quick diagnosis and accurate recommendations for the benefit of farming community.