Sugarcane under attack

Brazilian experts identify multiple crop diseases in belt as yields slashed by up to 70%

SHAHEED BENAZIRABAD:

A wave of crop diseases has dealt a severe blow to sugarcane cultivation in Shaheed Benazirabad and adjoining areas, with Brazilian agricultural experts warning that infestations could cut per-acre yields by as much as 70%, prompting urgent calls for modern farming practices to prevent further losses.

A team of Brazilian agricultural specialists has arrived in Nawabshah at the invitation of a private sugar mill to assess the damage and advise growers on protecting their crops. Led by agricultural expert Dr William Burnsquist, the team visited severely affected sugarcane fields in Qazi Ahmed, Daulatpur and Shahpur Jehania, as well as surrounding areas.

During field inspections, the experts examined diseased crops and provided farmers with on-site guidance on modern techniques and preventive measures to contain the spread of infections.

According to the Brazilian specialists, sugarcane crops in the region are being affected by several serious diseases, including red rot, grassy shoot disease, Echinochloa grass infestation and shoot borer damage.

The reported damage has raised alarm among local growers, who are already facing substantial financial losses as the diseases threaten one of the area's key cash crops.

The experts urged farmers to move away from traditional cultivation methods and adopt modern agricultural practices, improved crop management and timely preventive measures to minimise damage and restore productivity.

They stressed that early identification of crop diseases and the adoption of appropriate control measures would be crucial to preventing further deterioration and safeguarding sugarcane yields in the affected areas.