Maharashtra: Longer monsoon breaks lead to pest attack on crops

According to reports, longer monsoon breaks in between seasons have caused the attack of various pests and diseases across Maharashtra.

Moreover, soybean growers, especially in the state, are concerned about the mosaic virus, as well as the infestation of pink and American bollworms. In addition, the Agriculture Department has issued advisories for preventive measures to be taken to tackle the pest problem.

On Tuesday, August 10, the state Agriculture Commissioner chaired a high-level meeting of various experts on the issue of virus attacks on tomato crops. This comes after growers in Maharashtra have reported major crop loss due to the attack of the mosaic virus in the last two years. Meanwhile, a detailed report about the matter is expected to be submitted soon.

On the other hand, as the farmers from Maharashtra have been worst hit by the recent floods and extreme weather events, the latest study highlights how such climate change impacts might get worse from here on. Of the 36 districts in Maharashtra, 11 districts were found highly vulnerable to extreme weather events, droughts and dwindling water security and account for almost 40% of the cropped area across Central Maharashtra. In the same way, 37% of the state’s agricultural area spread over 14 districts were moderately vulnerable, which takes the tally to three-fourths of Maharashtra’s cropped regions as high to moderate vulnerable to the prevailing climate crisis.

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