Archive · 25 Aug 2026
Chouhan Assures Continued Research Against Karnataka Arecanut Diseases
Arecanut farmers in parts of Karnataka are facing several diseases.
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said scientists will continue helping them.
A research institute in Kasaragod is studying the diseases in laboratories and on farms.
The main problems are fruit rot, yellow leaf disease and leaf spot disease.
Farmers are being shown ways to control these problems together.
Seven demonstration clusters have reported less disease after using the recommended methods.
Farmers are also advised to use fungicides before and during the monsoon for fruit rot.
The goal is to protect crops, improve harvests and support farmers’ incomes.
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan assured continued scientific support for arecanut diseases in coastal and Malnad Karnataka.
The ICAR-Central Plantation Crops Research Institute at Kasaragod is conducting laboratory studies, field surveys and control demonstrations.
Research and interventions target fruit rot, or Mahali/Koleroga, yellow leaf disease and leaf spot disease.
Integrated control demonstrations across seven clusters, including Belthangady and Sullia, have reduced disease intensity.
Officials are promoting fungicide use, healthy planting material, collective farmer action and scientifically tested methods to protect yields and incomes.
- Who
- Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Dakshina Kannada MP Captain Brijesh Chowta, and researchers at the ICAR-Central Plantation Crops Research Institute.
- What
- The government confirmed continued research, technical guidance and control measures for major arecanut diseases.
- When
- The assurance followed Captain Brijesh Chowta’s intervention under Lok Sabha Rule 377; the National Scientific Committee on Arecanut was formed in November 2022.
- Where
- Coastal and Malnad Karnataka, including Dakshina Kannada, Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru and Uttara Kannada, with research support from Kasaragod.
- Why
- To reduce crop disease, improve output, maintain the long-term viability of arecanut cultivation and protect farmers’ incomes.
- Main diseases
- Fruit rot, also called Mahali or Koleroga, yellow leaf disease and leaf spot disease.
- Research institution
- ICAR-Central Plantation Crops Research Institute at Kasaragod.
- Demonstration clusters
- Seven clusters, including areas around Sirsi, Siddapur, Belthangady and Sullia.
- Reported leaf spot districts
- Dakshina Kannada, Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru and Uttara Kannada.
- Fruit rot measure
- Prompt application of prescribed fungicides before and throughout the monsoon season.
- Yellow leaf work
- Control strategies and production of healthy planting material.
- Implementation programme
- Recommended methods are being used in affected areas under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture.