India: Assam: Mysterious disease destroying potato crops in Sootea, livelihoods at risk

The mysterious disease has taken a heavy toll on farmers, with acres of potato fields wilting and dying, causing immense distress among the farming community.  

For years, the region’s farmers have relied on diverse vegetable cultivation, with potatoes being a primary crop. Many had high hopes for this season’s potato harvest, but their efforts have been undermined by this unforeseen setback. Reports suggest that a similar outbreak was observed in a neighboring village just days ago. However, the lack of proactive measures by agricultural authorities allowed the disease to spread further, affecting other villages, including No. 1 Adaveti and No. 2 Kumalia.  

As the disease continues to ravage crops, plants are turning red and wilting prematurely, leaving farmers deeply concerned about their future. Despite investing large sums of money and extensive labor, the crops have failed to thrive, leaving only despair in their wake. In an attempt to combat the disease, some farmers have resorted to spraying pesticides, but these efforts have proven ineffective.  

The situation has worsened due to the absence of timely intervention from the agricultural department. Farmers, feeling abandoned and unsupported, are now facing uncertainty about the future of their crops and livelihoods. The lack of guidance and preventive measures has only amplified the crisis, leaving these farmers helpless in the face of a mounting agricultural disaster.

Also read: Assam: Wild elephant herd enters tea estate, sparks alarm among locals in Tezpur