Patna/East Champaran: Farmers in parts of Bihar’s East Champaran district are facing fresh uncertainty as fungal and bacterial diseases spread rapidly across maize fields, threatening production in a season already marked by extreme weather.
In the Pakridayal block, growers say young maize plants have begun showing signs of leaf damage just weeks after sowing. The outbreak follows earlier setbacks caused by flooding and prolonged dry spells, compounding losses for farming households.
According to farmers, symptoms began appearing when the crop reached the two-leaf stage. “We have already invested heavily in seeds, fertilisers and irrigation,” said Sanjay Singh, a local farmer. “Now the crop is getting damaged even before it can grow properly.”
Agriculture officials have identified grey leaf spot, northern leaf blight and bacterial leaf streak as the main diseases affecting the crop. The infections cause leaves to scorch and stunt plant growth, raising concerns about reduced yields if the spread is not contained.
Govind Kumar, the block agriculture officer, said the problem was linked to poor field hygiene and cropping practices. “Leaving residues from last year’s crop, lack of deep ploughing, and repeated maize cultivation in the same fields allow pathogens to survive and attack new plants,” he said.
He advised farmers to spray zinc sulphate and urea along with biological agents such as trichoderma, or fungicides like propiconazole. The use of humic and fulvic acids, he added, could help improve plants’ resistance to disease.
Farmers say timely guidance and support are critical. Many fear that if the outbreak worsens, the combined impact of climate shocks and crop disease could deepen rural distress in the region.
