False Smut Disease Devastates Punjab Paddy Crops

The 2025 kharif season in Punjab has witnessed severe damage to paddy crops due to false smut disease. Continuous rainfall and flooding disrupted essential anti-fungal spraying. This has led to widespread infestation, threatening the state’s agricultural output and farmer livelihoods.

False Smut Outbreak

Heavy and incessant rains caused floods across Punjab. These conditions prevented timely anti-fungal treatments on paddy fields. As a result, false smut disease, locally known as haldi rog, emerged aggressively. The disease has affected paddy crops at the maturing and harvesting stages, causing concerns among farmers and officials.

Extent of Crop Damage and Loss

Crop loss estimates vary. Some experts and legislators report up to 25% damage in affected areas. Agricultural authorities, including Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), estimate losses closer to 2-6%. Despite differing views, the damage is substantial given the large scale of paddy cultivation in Punjab, which spans over 32.5 lakh hectares.

Impact on Paddy Production and Economy

Punjab aims to procure 180 lakh tonnes of paddy this season. However, floods have destroyed nearly 5 lakh acres of crop land across districts like Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Kapurthala, and Ferozpur. This destruction threatens to reduce yields and disrupt supply chains. Additionally, accumulated sand on fields is delaying the sowing of the rabi wheat crop, further affecting agricultural productivity.

Role of Agricultural Institutions and Advisory Failures

Criticism has been directed at PAU and the state agriculture department for not issuing timely advisories to farmers. This oversight contributed to missed anti-fungal spraying windows. Experts from PAU acknowledge the infestation but downplay the extent of damage. Former agriculture officials have brought into light the presence of other diseases like Chinese dwarf disease, which remain unreported officially.

Current Procurement and Market Situation

Despite challenges, paddy procurement began early on 15 September. So far, 1.96 lakh tonnes have arrived in mandis. Officials expect arrivals to increase as the harvest progresses. The procurement process is crucial to stabilise farmer incomes amid crop losses and market uncertainties.

Broader Agricultural Challenges in Punjab

The state’s agriculture faces recurring threats from extreme weather events. Floods and unseasonal rains disrupt crop cycles and disease management. The situation puts stress on the need for improved disease surveillance, farmer advisories, and resilient farming practices to mitigate future risks.