Daijiworld Media Network - Puttur (SP)

Puttur, Mar 3: Areca nut, the leading commercial crop of coastal Karnataka, is facing new challenges. Areca nut, which is more profitable than paddy cultivation, has of late been suffering from yellow leaf disease.

The disease was initially noticed near Sampaje but now spread to several villages in the taluk. Some farmers have begun to cut down the trees in plantations where yellow leaf disease has set in. Hundreds of acres of areca nut trees in Kalmakaru, Aletty, Todikana etc have been affected by this disease. Scientists of Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI) have surveyed the plantations affected by this disease recently. CPCRI Kasargod has instituted Rs seven crore research into the disease.

Sullia taluk is the most affected among the regions in the district. There is possibility of the disease gaining in intensity and spreading to other districts. The areca nut growers are facing a situation that is very serious and disturbing.