Hundreds of arecanut growers in the Malnad region, badly hit by the leaf-spot disease, are worried that their problem might intensify with the onset of the monsoon, expected in a few days. As scientists have not come up with a medicine to stop the spread of the disease, the growers are looking for ways to protect their farms.
Problem unabated
More than 42,000 hacteres of areca farms were affected by the fungal infection in Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru, Uttara Kannada, Dakshina Kannada, and Udupi districts. Following repeated appeals by the growers, the Central government sent a team of experts to assess the situation. The farmers followed the instructions from the Horticulture Department and applied medicines. However, the impact on the ground was minimal.
