Dir Agri (J) conducts extensive field visit in Kathua, Samba

Kathua : In the backdrop of the reports of sporadic cases of stunted growth in paddy and attack of Fall Armyworm in Maize, Director Agriculture Production & Farmers welfare, Jammu, K. K. Sharma along with a team of officers conducted an extensive tour of Kathua and Samba districts for on field assessment of Kharif crops condition here on Saturday.
The Director Agriculture visited Dhaloti, Hamirpur, Balan Pain upper/lower and other villages of Sub Division Hiranagar to check the status of the paddy crop. He observed the stunted growth in paddy crops irrespective of variety. He said that the stunted growth of paddy can be attributed to biotic and abiotic causes like nutrient deficiency (zinc/potassium), water stagnation, red worm/thread worm.
Additionally, cases of stem rot, sheath blight and bacterial leaf blight were also observed in the field.
Local staff apprised the Director that the problem of stunted growth is being reported from subtropical areas of Kathua district in early sown crop and is spreading fast. Pertinently, a similar problem has also been reported in Punjab & Haryana.
Taking serious note, instructions were issued by the Director Agriculture to go for immediate remedial measures on symptomatic basis. Further he instructed CAO, Kathua for the immediate arrangements of required chemicals out of the approved plan & available funds.
While interacting with the farmers at various spots, the Director assured the farmers all possible help by the department.
On the spot, live samples of diseased crops were also collected for laboratory diagnosis to find out the exact reason of stunted growth in paddy for appropriate recommendation thereof.
On the occasion it was appealed to the farmers to be vigilant in the field against any infestation and report the same immediately to Panchayat Level Officer or nearest Agriculture office.
Later, the Director also visited Naunath, Tapayal, Naran and other villages of samba district and took stock of the overall crop condition besides inspecting field activities like vermicomposte unit, polyhouse and mini-sprinkler system.
The team of officers, including Chief Agriculture Officer Kathua/Samba, DAOs (Extension)Kathua/Samba, SDAOs, AEOs, Plant doctors, besides extension staff of the department accompanied the Director during the visit.