Stating that fungal wilt disease and leaf spot disease have affected the banana plantations in a few parts of the country, S. Uma, Director, National Research Centre for Banana (NRCB), Tiruchi, on Sunday said banana scientists had taken up a survey in the affected areas so as to control the diseases.
Speaking at the 23 foundation day of National Research Centre for Banana here, she said that the diseases had been mainly noticed on G-9 banana variety, which occupied 60 percent of banana cultivation in the country. The fungal wilt disease was noticed in Bihar recently. The soil borne disease could spread rapidly in neighbouring banana plantations.
She said there was a need to stop spreading the diseases. Otherwise, it could cause extensive financial loss to farmers. The NRCB had taken up extensive study to control the disease. The scientists would continue to monitor the areas affected by the disease. Farmers had a greater role to play in controlling the diseases. Similarly, the department concerned of the State government should take steps to create awareness among farmers of fungal wilt disease and leaf spot disease.
Expressing his reservations over Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) decision on creating more educational institutes, K. Ramasamy, Vice-Chancellor, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Coimbatore, said that the mandate of the ICAR was to carry out extensive research in required areas. There was a need to expand its research areas. However, it had opened up its vistas in education. It should not deviate from the focus of research. Pointing to the practice of farmers sticking to traditional crops, he said farmers should follow flexible approach in changing crops depending upon the situation. They should go for alternative crops during distress situations.
P. Prakash Patil, Project Coordinator, AICRP on fruits, Bengaluru, B. Padmanaban and J. Poorani, Principal Scientists spoke.
Earlier, Mr. Ramasamy presented award to various progressive banana farmers and scientists in recognition of their achievements in raising banana.
