Tomato plantation experiences major loss amid virus infection

Tomato farmers are facing a major loss after the outbreak of a virus which is resulting in a loss of over 40-50 per cent of the cultivated crop. The name of the virus is not yet known and the Agriculture Department is finding out the actual cause of the disease. Talks are underway to compensate the farmers for these major losses of the crops planted since February this year.

Akole (Maharashtra): A viral infection, which transforms ripe tomatoes into rotten ones with black and yellow patches, has been disrupting the local markets here. The tomato farmers are a worried lot as the infection, which also has been riding on a rumour that it can affect humans, has led to a loss of 40-50% of the production.

Highlighting the issue, the farmers further claimed that no pesticides or insecticides were successful in curing the infection. The crop is usually cultivated between the months of February - April.

The issue has been prominent among the farmers hailing from Sangamner and Akole talukas. In this regard, the Kisan Sabha has called upon the Agriculture Department to look into the matter and find out the exact cause of the disease.

In Akole and Sangamner areas of Ahmednagar district, over 5000 acres of tomatoes have been found to be infected with the virus.

Although, the name of this disease is not known yet, it is being called as the 'tricolour' or 'tiranga' disease by the farmers.

Talks are also underway to compensate the farmers for the losses incurred.

Meanwhile, sources say that it is scientifically proven that the cell structure of tomatoes are so built that the viruses from them can never penetrate into a human body.