Mangaluru: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has assured Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta that the Centre is actively pursuing scientific research, field surveys and integrated disease management measures to protect arecanut plantations from major diseases, including leaf spot and yellow leaf disease, in Karnataka’s coastal and Malnad regions.
The assurance came in response to an issue raised by Capt Chowta in the Lok Sabha under Rule 377 regarding the growing threat posed by diseases to arecanut cultivation. In a detailed reply, the Union minister outlined the scientific and field-level measures initiated by the Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI), Kasaragod, to address the major challenges affecting arecanut growers.
Arecanut cultivation is an important source of livelihood for farmers across Dakshina Kannada and other parts of coastal and Malnad Karnataka. The Centre’s renewed focus on disease control is expected to provide relief to growers who have been facing concerns over declining productivity and the spread of infections in plantations.
Scientific measures against leaf spot and yellow leaf disease
Chouhan said research and field-level interventions are underway to tackle yellow leaf disease and leaf spot disease in arecanut plantations. As part of the initiative, demonstrations of recommended integrated disease management practices have been conducted across seven clusters, including Beltangady and Sullia.
According to the minister, the adoption of the recommended scientific practices has resulted in a noticeable reduction in disease intensity in affected plantations. The field demonstrations are aimed at helping farmers understand and implement disease-control methods based on scientific recommendations rather than relying solely on individual or conventional practices.
Research is also progressing on several aspects of yellow leaf disease management, including improved systems for planting saplings. Integrated management practices are being demonstrated in farmers’ fields where disease prevalence is comparatively low, with the active cooperation of the Directorate of Arecanut and Spices Development.
Preventive strategy for fruit rot or Koleroga
The Union minister also highlighted measures developed to control fruit rot disease, locally known as Koleroga, which can affect arecanut plantations during the monsoon.
Preventive measures involving the timely application of recommended fungicides before and during the rainy season have been developed as part of the disease management strategy. Field studies have indicated that following these recommendations can reduce the incidence of the disease and contribute to better overall arecanut yield.
Chouhan said timely implementation of preventive measures is particularly important during the monsoon, when conditions can become favourable for the spread of fungal diseases.
Monitoring disease outbreaks in major growing districts
The Agriculture Ministry is closely monitoring the leaf spot disease situation in major arecanut-growing districts, including Dakshina Kannada, Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru and Uttara Kannada.
A national scientific committee on arecanut, constituted in November 2022, has reviewed the disease situation and recommended integrated management strategies. These recommendations were formulated on the basis of field surveys, consultations with stakeholders and scientific evaluations.
The measures suggested by research institutions are being implemented through field demonstrations in disease-affected areas under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH).
Community-based action key to controlling leaf spot
Chouhan emphasised that while individual farmers have recorded significant reductions in disease intensity after adopting the recommended measures, effective management of leaf spot disease requires coordinated action among neighbouring plantations.
The government is therefore placing greater emphasis on community-based disease management, extensive field demonstrations, farmer awareness programmes and the wider adoption of scientific practices across plantation clusters.
CPCRI to continue research and technical support
Chouhan assured that safeguarding the interests of arecanut farmers in the coastal and Malnad regions remains a priority for the Central government.
The CPCRI in Kasaragod will continue scientific research on major diseases affecting arecanut and extend the necessary technical assistance and cooperation to farmers and other stakeholders.
The continued research is aimed at improving both the productivity and long-term sustainability of arecanut farming. Through scientific studies, field demonstrations, farmer outreach and coordinated disease-management programmes, the government hopes to strengthen the ability of growers to respond to recurring crop health challenges.
The assurance from the Union Agriculture Minister comes as arecanut farmers in Karnataka’s key growing regions look for effective and long-term solutions to diseases that threaten plantation health and yields. With research institutions, government departments and farmers working together, the focus will now be on expanding the adoption of integrated and community-based disease management practices.