Virus-hit paddy farmers in Kurukshetra seek compensation, urgent girdawari

Facing severe crop damage due to the Southern Rice Black Streaked Dwarf Virus, paddy farmers in Kurukshetra district have demanded a special girdawari (crop loss survey) and compensation of Rs 60,000 per acre.

As per the Agriculture Department, the virus has affected around 6,550 hectares of paddy, with Pehowa block emerging as the worst-affected area. Though the disease appears in patches, farmers say the impact on yield is significant.

To voice their concerns, members of the Bhartiya Kisan Union (Pehowa) gathered at the SDM office in Pehowa on Thursday and submitted a memorandum addressed to the Chief Minister.

“The farmers in Pehowa block have been staring at big losses due to the dwarfism virus,” said Prince Waraich, spokesperson for BKU (Pehowa). “In several fields, the disease has destroyed the crop, forcing farmers to uproot the plants and replant. Yield loss could be as high as 60–70%.”

Citing an example, he said, “A farmer, Jitender Singh from Asmanpur village, has already destroyed his 10-acre crop. Many others are spending heavily on insecticides even as productivity is expected to dip.”

Farmers claim officials have assured them that girdawari will start around August 5, but warned of protest action if the survey is not conducted.

Agriculture experts warn that the dwarf virus, if not managed timely, can cause 80–90% yield loss by stunting plant growth and hampering nutrient absorption.

“The effect is patchy, but real,” said Deputy Director Agriculture Dr aram Chand. “We’ve advised farmers to monitor fields closely and follow departmental recommendations.”

Haryana Tribune