Pulpally: Farmers lament that the virus which wiped out ginger cultivation in an entire region has now begun spreading into other crops as well.

According to them, pyricularia infestation has begun affecting yam, paddy and more. The agriculture department has recommended Saaf, a fungicide as the solution for these crops too. Vast stretches of yam  in areas like Marakkadavu and Paadichira under the Mullankolly panchayat have already been damaged. Signs of the disease are also visible across the paddy fields too.

 Earlier, there were reports that the disease had spread to paddy, wheat and vegetables in Karnataka too. Many farmers are spraying expensive pesticides multiple times to save their crops. While the disease seemed to subside briefly, it soon returned. Farmers rue that the losses in yam farming are devastating. Last year, a sack full of the crop fetched up to Rs.3,200, but with cultivation drastically reduced, prices are expected to soar further. In regions affected by wildlife attack, yam farming has nearly vanished.

This is peak yam season and any damage to the crop at this point means zero returns. Tubers that could have grown up to 6–7 kg are now being completely lost. Farmers who invested lakhs for cultivating the crop have been left disheartened. 

Those who braved the odds to cultivate paddy are also facing a similar fate. They are uncertain whether paddy affected by `blast' can be salvaged. Adding to their woes, the government has yet to pay compensation for the previous Puncha crop. Meanwhile, farmers who have borrowed money for the next season of cultivation too remain anxious as the disease continues its silent spread.