Rice Virus Outbreak: Déjà Vu for Punjab Farmers
Punjab is battling a resurgence of the Southern Rice Black-Streaked Dwarf Virus (SRBSDV), mirroring the devastating outbreak of 2022. The current crisis, reported on August 13, 2025, is linked to weather conditions strikingly similar to those two years prior: a combination of heavy rainfall, high temperatures, and humidity.
These conditions create an ideal breeding ground for the virus, primarily transmitted by the white-backed planthopper. Early transplantation of rice seedlings, a common practice in the state, has further exacerbated the problem, increasing the vulnerability of the crop.
The Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has issued urgent advisories to farmers. They are urged to closely monitor their fields for pest infestations and promptly apply recommended insecticides. Strict adherence to PAU guidelines is crucial to mitigate the damage.
The timely intervention of the PAU is vital. Failure to control this outbreak could lead to significant crop losses, impacting food security and livelihoods across the state, particularly for small and marginal farmers who heavily depend on paddy cultivation.