Kurukshetra: The Tribune reports that the problem of top borer and pokkah boeng diseases is proving very serious for sugarcane farmers in the Shahabad area of Kurukshetra district, reported Tribune India.
Affected farmers pointed out that despite applying heavy quantities of fungicides and insecticides to contain the spread of these diseases, the results have been unsatisfactory, which has started haunting farmers with the apprehension of reduced yields and increased cost of production.
One farmer from Khanpur village expressed frustration, stating, “My sugarcane crop across nearly five acres has been affected by top borer this year. Despite multiple insecticide sprays, the results have been poor. The cost of production is rising, but the expected yield is likely to be low.”
Kurukshetra’s Assistant Cane Development Officer, Baljinder Singh, acknowledged the reports of top borer and pokkah boeng in the Shahabad area but assured that the situation is under control. “There are more instances of pokkah boeng than top borer this year. We are closely monitoring the situation and providing guidance to the farmers,” he said.
