State sugarcane department acts to curb blackbug infestation in cane fields
Alarmed by black bug and pyrilla infestations in UP’s sugarcane fields, Cane Commissioner Pramod Kumar Upadhyay deployed expert teams to assess damage. Advisories detailing insecticides and control methods have been sent to all sugar mills and farmers. The move follows last year’s red-rot crisis, aiming to protect yields and support over 40 lakh sugarcane farmers.
Pilibhit: Alarmed by the growing infestation of black bugs in sugarcane fields across Uttar Pradesh, cane commissioner Pramod Kumar Upadhyay said teams of sugarcane scientists have been sent to survey affected areas and assess the extent of the damage. He added that some pockets are also reporting attacks by ‘pyrilla’ (sugarcane leafhopper). “These insects damage the crop by sucking sap from the leaves and stems, causing leaf withering, stunted growth, reduced sucrose content, and lower cane yield,” said Upadhyay. He added that the department has issued advisories to farmers outlining remedial measures recommended by the UP Council of Sugarcane Research. The advisory has also been sent to all 121 private and cooperative sugar mills in the state, directing them to treat the issue as a top priority.Last year, red-rot disease—commonly referred to as sugarcane cancer—affected major sugarcane growing areas, drastically reducing yields and sucrose levels.
This forced many mills to shut operations earlier than usual during the 2024–25 cultivation cycle. Upadhyay said the current drive aims to help farmers recover from last year’s losses. The advisory also includes details on recommended insecticides and their application methods. Over 40 lakh farmers in UP cultivate sugarcane annually on 28 to 30 lakh hectares spread across 45 districts, 28 of which are major production hubs.
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Source : The Times Of India
