State Agriculture Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh has informed that the department is in discussions with ICAR scientists and other agencies to tackle the betel nut disease, which has severely affected farmers, especially in Dadenggre, West Garo Hills.
Responding to a question raised by Dadenggre MLA Rupa Marak in the Assembly, Ampareen revealed that the disease has impacted eight districts in Meghalaya. In Dadenggre Block, 209 farmers have been affected, while 406 farmers have suffered losses in Rongram Block.
She explained that the disease is caused by a pest that feeds on tender parts of betel nut trees. To combat this, the government has been training farmers on preventive measures and alternative farming methods. The state has also provided ₹6.6 crore in financial aid to 3,005 affected farmers, enabling them to cultivate alternative crops like bananas and others to mitigate losses.
Adding to the discussion, Amlarem MLA Lahkmen Rymbui raised a question, whether the government could use drones to spray pesticides on betel nut trees, as suggested by agricultural experts.
In response, Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh assured that the government would examine the feasibility of drone-based pesticide spraying and explore effective measures to support farmers.
