Dharmapuri: Sugarcane farmers in the Dharmapuri district, particularly around Harur and Pappireddipatti, are facing a sudden and troubling infestation of white grub worms in their fields, raising concerns about potential losses and quality deterioration, reports The New Indian Express.
Farmers fear the infestation will significantly impact the quality of their crops. A farmer from Pappireddipatti, expressed his concerns, stating, “The major issue with this white grub disease is that they burrow into the canes, causing stunted growth and reduced water content. Since the price of sugarcane is based on weight, farmers will lose profits.”
Another farmer from Harur echoed similar sentiments. “Controlling the spread of white grubs is difficult. Last year, pests caused significant damage. However, the Subramaniya Siva Cooperative Sugar Mill staff quickly assessed the damage, and farmers were given good prices for the affected canes. We hope the mill will intervene, spread awareness on control measures, and minimize the damage,” he said.
In response, R. Priya, Managing Director of the Subramaniya Siva Cooperative Sugar Mill, provided some reassurance. “We have not observed any such infestation in the field. These pests usually thrive in heat, so it is unlikely there will be an infestation now. The recent monsoon rains should act as a deterrent. Nonetheless, we will investigate the matter and take necessary steps,” she said.
During the 2023-24 season, the Subramaniya Siva Cooperative Sugar Mill processed an average of 2.84 lakh metric tonnes of cane and achieved a recovery rate of 10.65%, the highest in the state. However, local farmers believe this rate could have been higher if not for poor climatic conditions and a lack of rainfall, which worsened the infestation and impacted the quality of the sugarcane.
As minor pockets of white grub infection have been observed again this year, farmers remain apprehensive about the future of their crops and potential financial losses.
