JACOBABAD, Oct 3: A viral disease identified by agricultural experts as “poppy” has hit a major part of paddy crops in Thul taluka throwing the farmers in a limbo.

Talking to Dawn, MPA Mir Nasir Khan Khoso said that the disease is contagious which dries the leaves of the paddy crop. He said that the disease has caused 30 per cent damage to Irri and 50 per cent to Basmati, cited as cash crops for the country.

He said that no fruitful results could be achieved despite spray of almost all types of pesticides including poisonous ones against the fast spreading disease.

The worst-affected included agricultural fields in deh Madadpur, deh Sarki and deh Korar, he added.

He said that the disease could not be controlled despite implementation of proposals and suggestions of the agriculture experts and it was increasing with each passing day. He also complained of non-serious attitude of the local authorities in containing the disease.