Centre steps in to curb arecanut leaf spot disease in Dakshina Kannada; MP reviews field measures

Centre steps in to curb arecanut leaf spot disease in Dakshina Kannada; MP reviews field measures

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Apr 30, 2026: The Central government has initiated measures to control the widespread leaf spot disease affecting arecanut crops in Dakshina Kannada, said MP Brijesh Chowta.

On Wednesday, the MP visited arecanut plantations in Guthigaru near Sulya to review a special field demonstration being carried out under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH). The initiative is led by the Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI).

Accompanied by CPCRI Kasaragod Director Dr. Balachandra Hebbar, CAMPCO President S.R. Satishchandra, and agricultural scientists, the MP inspected the plantations of Subrahmanya Prasad in Chanila and nearby areas. He gathered detailed information on nutrient-based and scientific methods being implemented to control the leaf spot disease.

The demonstration is being conducted across about six acres of arecanut plantations, including 1.5 acres owned by Subrahmanya Prasad, under the guidance of CPCRI’s Vittal regional station. Since June last year, scientific measures have been adopted in these farms, with continuous monitoring, data collection, and supplementary studies being carried out to tackle the disease.

Several local leaders, including BJP Sulya Mandal President Venkat Valalambhe, along with farmers, horticulture department officials, and agricultural scientists, were present during the visit.

Automatic Weather Station Installed:
Leaf spot disease typically spreads rapidly through moisture and wind during periods of heavy rainfall. Climate variations and increased rainfall are considered major factors contributing to its spread. In this context, an automatic weather station has been installed in Subrahmanya Prasad’s plantation to study rainfall levels, humidity, temperature, and their role in the spread of the disease, MP Chowta said.