Punjab crop disaster: Late blight destroys potatoes

Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) experts’ warnings about the late blight disease’s potential threat to potato crops in Punjab have unfortunately materialized, causing significant damage. More than half of the potato crop in various Punjab districts has suffered due to this disease. Farmers, who switched from wheat cultivation after the paddy season, aiming for crop diversification, now face substantial losses.
Multiple districts like Machhiwara, Samrala, Khanna, Amloh, Nabha, Hoshiarpur, and others report the early deterioration of potatoes in fields, even before the expected harvest time. This situation has hit diversified crop farmers hard, not only ruining their produce but also crashing wholesale potato prices in the market.
Jujhar Singh, a commercial potato farmer, revealed that over 60% of his crop fell victim to the late blight attack. Despite following PAU’s recommended fungicide sprays, salvaging the crop proved futile. Favourable high humidity during nights supported the blight, causing severe damage, especially to baby potatoes. Harvesting them now would result in unproductive expenses and significant labour costs.
Singh highlighted the soaring expenses involved in potato harvesting, including labor costs of Rs 35 per acre and Rs 20 per bag. The selling price last year to snack manufacturers at Rs 24-27/kg has drastically dropped to Rs 9/kg this year. Similarly, table potato prices plummeted from Rs 12/kg to Rs 4-6/kg. He urged the government to allow exports to alleviate substantial farmer losses, noting higher prices in neighboring countries like Pakistan.
Late blight, a fungal disease, exhibits symptoms such as small green circular spots on potatoes, expanding rapidly into dark lesions during cool, moist weather. Dr. PS Sandhu from PAU detailed these symptoms, warning against susceptible varieties. PAU officials stressed proper plant spacing and immediate removal of infected crop residue to halt disease spread. They discouraged overhead sprinkler irrigation and recommended drip irrigation to curb disease proliferation.