Yellow rust infestation in wheat crops has started in the mountainous regions of Uttarakhand, said senior project officer of Himmotthan Society Dehradun Dr Rajendra Singh Koshyari.
Koshyari said observation of farms in the Chaukhutiya region in Kumaon on March 14 had revealed that the wheat crop in many farms was displaying symptoms of yellow rust and added the climate was playing a big role in spreading this crop disease and there was risk of yellow rust spreading further. In some areas, observers have found patches of yellow rust affected crops.
Meanwhile, retired Professor of Punjab Agriculture University, Dr HS Rewal, who was involved in the pilot project, advised State’s farmers to contact State Agriculture department, research institutions and universities without delay in order to stop spread of this infestation in wheat crops.
Recommending the spraying of prescribed chemicals to tackle yellow rust, he said that action should be initiated without delay failing which the farmers could face major losses due to the infestation.
Koshyari further informed that wheat variety Vl 907 from the Vivekananda Parvatiya Krishi Anusandhan Sansthan (VPKAS), has been planted in six villages each in Chaukhutiya and Bageshwar in Kumaon region along with seven villages in Chamiyala area of Garhwal with the technical assistance from VPKAS. This wheat variety is resistant to yellow rust and the plantation is showing good results.
The Himmotthan Society has been implementing a pilot project since October 2013 to increase agriculture productivity in mountainous regions. This work was being undertaken in 32 villages of four mountainous districts-Almora, Bageshwar, Tehri and Uttarkashi with financial assistance from Sir Ratan Tata Trust.
The aim of the project was to achieve improvement in the productivity of selected agriculture and horticulture crops with suitable scientific techniques. The society is communicating with VPKAS, Almora so that necessary steps can be taken in the project area for prevention of yellow rust.