SOURCE: Times of India
The Jalgaon district administration has sought the help of Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth Rahuri to understand the spread and cause of ‘cucumber mosaic virus’ that affected banana plantations.
Some of the plantations in Raver, Yawal and Muktainagar talukas have been affected by the virus, which has caused concern among farmers.
The district administration, led by collector Ayush Prasad, along with superintendent of agriculture Ravishankar Chalvade, visited the affected firms and had a word with farmers.
“There are about 100 acres of farms across all the three talukas, though the extent of damage is yet to be fully assessed. The work is being carried out by concerned agriculture officers,” said Chalvade.
Chalvade said, “Collector Ayush Prasad visited the farms with the agriculture teams and held discussions with the affected farmers. The farmers said that plantation carried out during May-June has been affected the most.”
“The collector has sought the help of scientists from agriculture universities to understand the virus, its spread and causes. The officers will raise awareness among farmers about the dos and don’ts to avoid infection to the crop, and find a solution to the problem. This could take some time,” Chalvade said.
Dr Chandrashekhar Pujari, officer-in-charge, Banana Research Station, Jalgaon, which functions under the Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth Rahuri, said that there is no direct remedy for the infection caused by the vector – Aphid. The scientist said that holistic approach by farmers could help overcome the problem. “We recommend that the plantation be carried out in June, October or February so that presence of the Aphids that grow on other crops is almost absent.
When banana plantation grows up, the leaves harden and are able to repel the virus. This must be followed by spraying of insecticides and thus farmers can break this cycle,” said Pujari, adding there was similar attack last year as well.