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The banana crop has been greatly affected by Panama Wilt disease in these areas of India.

Published on: 26-Sep-2023

Within India, bananas are grown in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. The areas affected by Panama Wilt disease are Katihar and Purnia districts of Bihar, Faizabad, Barabanki, Maharajganj of Uttar Pradesh, Surat of Gujarat and Burhanpur district of Madhya Pradesh.


Banana is cultivated on a large scale in India. Also, the country is one of the largest banana producers in the world. India is known for the cultivation of various banana varieties, including the popular Cavendish banana as well as other regional varieties such as Robusta, Grand Neine, and Poovan. Each variety has its distinct characteristics. In such a situation, if something happens to the banana crop, it directly impacts the income of the farmers. Additionally, Panama Wilt disease has emerged as a new problem for banana farmers across the country. This disease is ruining their crops worth lakhs. 


Panama Wilt Disease

It is a fungal disease. Due to this infection, the banana crop can be completely ruined. Panama wilt is caused by a fungus called Fusarium wilt TR-2, which stunts the growth of banana plants. If we look at the symptoms of this disease, the leaves of the banana plant turn brown and fall. Additionally, the stem also starts rotting. It is considered a very fatal disease, which destroys the entire banana crop. This is a disease caused by fungus, which in the last few years has been seen in many countries of the world including Africa, Taiwan, America, Australia besides India. This disease has destroyed the banana crops of the farmers there. Presently this disease has become a cause of trouble for the farmers of India for some years. 


Also read: Farmer left his job in Switzerland and started banana farming, today the turnover is Rs 100 crore



How to prevent Panama Wilt disease

Regarding the prevention of Panama Wilt disease, this disease can be treated through the collective efforts of scientists and farmers. Scientists say that no effective medicine has been found yet for Panama Wilt disease. However, scientists at CISH have created a drug called ISAR-Fusicant. Farmers of Bihar and other states have benefited greatly from the use of this medicine. CISH has been trying to save farmers' banana crops for the last three years. For this reason, efforts are being made to deliver this medicine to farmers across India.


Panama Wilt disease has affected these states

In our country India, banana is produced in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh. The districts affected by Panama Wilt disease are Katihar and Purnia of Bihar, Faizabad, Barabanki, Maharajganj of Uttar Pradesh, Surat of Gujarat and Burhanpur of Madhya Pradesh. In such a situation, the farmers here need to take special care of their banana crop to protect it from this disease.