RANGPUR, Mar 14: Garlic plants in different areas of Gangachara and Kawnia upazilas in the district have been affected by root rotting disease, making the peasants worried about the output of the spice crop during the current season.
Sources said, the disease is causing damage to many garlic fields at different villages of the upazilas this season. It withers the plants which eventually die.
A number of farmers alleged that if necessary steps are not taken immediately they might not achieve expected yield of the produce during the current season.
Ataur Mia (50), a farmer of Khanshama village under Kawnia upazila said that he cultivated the crop on 25 decimals of land this season with the hope to earn good profit. But his hopes were dashed when he found more than 65 per cent of his field got damaged because of the disease.
Shahjahan Mia (55), another garlic grower of Mahipur village in Gangachara upazila said around 60 per cent of his 35 decimal of land has been damaged due to the disease. Plants are getting dry and roots are rotting rapidly. He sprayed medicine several times but got no positive result, he said.
Finding no other alternatives many growers are harvesting their produce much early this year and therefore they are not getting the expected yield, it is alleged.
Upazila Agriculture Office sources said that yellow tips and plants are a common garlic phenomenon. It can be caused by various reasons including warm spell, nutrient deficiencies, too much or too little water and fungal growth.
The farmers are being given necessary assistance and advice in this regard so that they can overcome the adverse circumstances, sources added.
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