Invisible spider attacks ripe paddy, threat to farmers

Raipur | Correspondent: Farmers in Chhattisgarh are facing a new threat to their paddy crops as an invisible spider, known as the panicle mite or red spider, has been attacking ripe paddy fields.

The spider is rapidly damaging the paddy ears, turning them cloudy and causing the grains to change color to red.

This has become a major problem for farmers, especially as the Kharif crop nears harvest time.

This disease, which is difficult to detect with the naked eye, has been spreading across several districts.

Agricultural scientists say the spider is not visible without a 10x magnifying lens and is affecting crops in the stems and lower parts of the ear.

It is destroying up to 30% of the crop in affected fields.

Farmers are struggling to protect their crops, spraying pesticides as advised by local agricultural scientists and market shopkeepers.

However, the effectiveness of these treatments has been limited, with many farmers seeing little improvement, even after multiple pesticide applications.

Some farmers are now being forced to harvest their crops early to prevent further damage.

Worsening situation over the past few years

The problem has been persistent for the past three to four years, especially in Raigarh, Janjgir-Champa, Chirmiri, and Manendragarh regions.

Farmers claim the disease has worsened after the pandemic, and there is a lack of coordination between scientists and farmers, leaving them with few options to control the situation.

The disease has been particularly severe on Swarna variety paddy, which takes longer to ripen.

Farmers have expressed concerns that even after following expert advice and applying pesticides, the problem persists.

Scientists offer solutions, but time is running out

Senior agricultural scientist Ishwari Sahu from the Agricultural Science Center in Durg explained that the mite problem is widespread across the state.

While treatments with chemicals like spiromesifen and propiconazole can help, the timing is crucial.

Since the paddy is nearly ripe, these treatments may not be as effective.

As farmers continue to battle the invisible spider, many are left with no choice but to harvest their paddy early, hoping to salvage what they can.