Late Blight Devastates Shahjahanpur Potato Crops, Farmers Urged to Act Now

• Late blight disease is rapidly spreading in Shahjahanpur, turning potato fields black and causing significant farmer distress just before harvesting.
• The fungal disease, favored by overcast and humid conditions, halts photosynthesis, leading to smaller tubers and potential production loss.
• District Horticulture Officer Dr. Puneet Kumar Pathak advises immediate protective spraying to prevent severe crop damage and profit loss.
• For prevention, spray Mancozeb or Chlorothalonil; if infected, use Cymoxanil + Mancozeb or Fenamidone + Mancozeb.
• Farmers should avoid repeated use of the same fungicide, add sticker during rain, and sun-expose fields before next season's sowing.

Why It Matters: Shahjahanpur potato farmers face severe late blight; immediate protective measures are crucial to save crops.