National Times Bureau :- Punjab’s farmers are facing a double crisis. First, devastating floods destroyed fields, and now a crop disease locally called the “China virus” has spread across several districts. The outbreak has stunted growth and wiped out large portions of standing crops.
In Patiala district’s Hardaspur village, farmers said they feel completely abandoned. One farmer shared that his entire crop on 10 acres of leased land has been lost to the disease. “There is no sign of officials or relief teams. We have been left on our own,” he said. Villagers added that hundreds of acres across Punjab have already become unproductive due to the infestation. They also explained that saving the affected crop would cost almost double what was originally spent on sowing.
Problems are also piling up in the mandis (grain markets). Farmers complained that their wheat is ready but government procurement has been delayed. Commission agents said no inspectors are visiting the mandis, leaving large stocks of grain unsold.
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Jaspal Singh Bittu Chatha visited the area and criticised the state government for inaction. “Floods have already ruined the crops, now this disease has made things worse. Yet the government has failed to respond,” he said.
Chatha demanded immediate procurement from warehouses and urged the state to ensure farmers’ crops are purchased without delay. He warned that if compensation is not provided soon, SAD will stage protests. He also announced that party president Sukhbir Singh Badal may visit the affected areas to witness the farmers’ condition firsthand.
