Farmers want prevention of potato blight

Blight, political unrest and a fall in prices have increased farmers' woes. Blight, a devastating disease for potato, is caused by Phytophthora Infestans. It causes withering and shrivelling without rotting. Blight had slashed production drastically and relentless political violence had badly hit transportation of the potato to markets. As a result, farmers have incurred huge losses this season.
The piling harvest remained confined to the region because transport blockades made export to other districts impossible and forced down the prices. The farmers feel frustrated at the low price of potato.
The disease turns into an epidemic within 48 hours, killing the plants ultimately. Anti-fungal spray at an interval of every four days helps prevent the disease. The authority concerned should inform farmers of the prevention system of potato and help them to keep their produce in the local cold storages so that they get fair prices. Our economy is still dependent on agriculture. So, the agricultural produces must be protected as long as possible to meet the demand of people.

Shahida Khanam
Beel Dakatia
Khulna