In some parts of the Mukhtzar district of Punjab, a fungus called kernel bundle has been diagnosed in a new wheat cut. This has increased concerns among farmers and agricultural officials. Officials of the Agriculture Department have confirmed its existence. Samples for the final test have been sent to Ludhiana’s Punjab Agricultural University (PAU). Farmers are currently waiting for the results of the test, and the authorities are preparing to cope with the disease.
Appeal to farmers
The disease is recorded in Kurusha, Mathir, Harike Kalan, Kotli Shankar and some other villages. According to the report of The Tribune, the authorities have taken quick action and appealed to the farmers not to use the grains from the affected areas as seeds for the next season. This will prevent the spread of the disease. Significantly, Mukhtzar Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh is the home of the Month.
Mukhtzar’s Chief Agricultural Officer Dr. Karanjit Singh Kill quoted Tribune, ‘Colonel sharing has been found in some villages. However, we have sent samples to Ludhiana’s PAU for final confirmation. During the arrival of the local Mandis, I saw 1-2 percent of black wheat grains in a pile of the Mukhtzar grain market. In the village of Godly Shankar, their percentage was slightly higher. In some piles, these places were about 2-3 percent.
Why did this disease spread in wheat
He said, ‘The crop was healthy throughout the season. In such a situation, farmers have escaped spraying fungi. It seems that the disease is spreading. He said the crop was found only after harvesting. If this is known earlier, farmers will be prescribed for fungal antibiotics, he said. Now farmers are urged not to collect these grains as seeds next year. However, humans and animals can eat after cleaning the affected crop.
The farmers’ concerns increased
Meanwhile, worries about the purchase of grain have increased due to the diagnosis of the disease. Farmer leader Thana Singh said, “The issue came to light when some farmers said that black grains were rejected during the purchase. If the government fails to buy the crop at a minimum support price (MSP), there is no choice but to protest. Another agricultural leader Kuldeep Singh also expressed a similar concern. He said, ‘We have to get a fair price. Many farmers believe that the disease is caused by inferior seeds. I urge fellow farmers not to sell their produce at a quarter.
What is Colonel Pant?
Colonel is a disease caused by fungi that affects wheat. It fade the color of the grain, somewhat softened, and it smells like fish. It is mainly spread through the affected seeds and soil.
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