In Tamil Nadu, Brinjal Farmers Tackle Crop Disease With Horticulture Department's Guidance

Brinjal farmers in Tamil Nadu’s Villupuram district are grappling with a cultivation challenge, as reported by News18. The horticulture department has issued warnings to farmers in response to the issue. Let’s delve into the details.

In the Villupuram district, numerous farmers are actively engaged in brinjal cultivation, with Sakthivel, one of the farmers, sharing insights into the challenges faced and the guidance provided by the horticulture department.

Sakthivel, a seasoned brinjal cultivator for the past five years in Kallapattu village, Villupuram district, specialises in growing a variety of brinjal known as Sevanthapatti. He typically sells his produce at the local market, emphasising that this is the fifth cultivation cycle on the same land, which has previously yielded satisfactory results.

However, this time around, the crops fell prey to a mysterious disease. Unaware of the ailment affecting the plants, the farmers left the cultivation unattended, allowing the disease to spread extensively.

Concerned about their declining crop, the farmers sought assistance from the Villupuram district horticulture department. In response, department officials promptly visited the affected fields. Their assessment revealed that the crops were under attack from stem borers and whiteflies. To combat the outbreak, the officials provided specific instructions, including the use of lighting, spraying neem oil solutions, and other preventive measures. Farmers were encouraged to reach out to the horticulture department for additional guidance or clarification.

Sakthivel shared his experience with the suggested remedies, stating, “After following the instructions given by the horticulture department officials, the incidence of the disease in my fields has come down a bit.” He expressed that he can now harvest around 20 kilograms of brinjal daily.

The horticulture department’s intervention highlights its commitment to assisting farmers in mitigating crop-related challenges and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Villupuram’s brinjal farmers are navigating the complexities of disease management with support from agricultural authorities, emphasizing the collaborative effort to safeguard local crops.