The Member of Parliament from Dakshina Kannada, Captain Brijesh Chowta, has called for urgent government intervention to combat the spread of leaf spot disease (LSD) and yellow leaf disease (YLD) in arecanut plantations across Karnataka. These diseases have severely impacted regions including Dakshina Kannada, Chikkamagaluru, and Kodagu, threatening the livelihoods of farmers dependent on arecanut cultivation.
Disease Impact and Management Challenges
According to Captain Chowta, leaf spot disease has caused extensive damage to arecanut plantations, becoming a major concern for farmers. Despite the development of scientific management protocols by the ICAR-Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI), implementation at the field level faces financial constraints. The Union Government had previously sanctioned ₹225 crore under a 60:40 funding formula based on a detailed project report by experts. However, expenditure ceilings under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) have hindered effective utilization of these funds.
Financial and Institutional Support Needs
Captain Chowta has requested the government to exempt LSD management from existing MIDH expenditure limits and align financial assistance with the actual scientific cost of treatment. He emphasized that such intervention is crucial for the successful implementation of disease-control measures and for protecting the livelihoods of arecanut-growing communities.
Yellow Leaf Disease Concerns
Yellow leaf disease, a long-standing phytoplasma-associated disease, affects nearly 16,000 hectares of arecanut plantations in Sullia taluk of Dakshina Kannada and parts of Kodagu and Chikkamagaluru districts. This disease causes a progressive decline in palm health and productivity, severely affecting farm incomes. While there is no curative treatment for YLD, supporting the management protocols developed by ICAR-CPCRI is essential.
Call for Comprehensive Support
Captain Chowta has urged the Union Government to formulate a comprehensive support package to assist affected farmers and facilitate the wider implementation of proven management strategies. He also invited Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, to visit Mangaluru to interact with scientists, agricultural experts, and affected farmers for a first-hand understanding of the challenges.
"Large-scale adoption of these technologies, along with high-tech irrigation systems and balanced nutrient management practices, would require substantial institutional and financial support," Captain Chowta stated.
Outlook and Implications
The ongoing challenges in managing areca diseases underscore the need for targeted financial and institutional support to safeguard the livelihoods of farmers in Karnataka. The effectiveness of disease management strategies will depend on the government's ability to align funding with scientific recommendations and remove existing financial constraints.
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