Karnal, July 23 -- A day after several cases of white dwarf virus were reported in nearly 400 acres of Ambala district, neighbouring Kurukshetra has also sounded an alert for the virus and has asked the farmers to remain vigilant.

The agriculture department in Ambala disclosed about the spread of Southern Rice Black Streaked Dwarf Virus in nearly 400 acres of paddy crop.

The total area under paddy crop in Ambala is 91,000 acres.

Deputy director agriculture (DDA) Ambala Jasvinder Saini said that there have been signs of the virus majorly in the villages of Mullana, Saha and Naraingarh areas of the district.

"The major impact has been on non-basmati varieties early sown using non-DSR methods. The virus poses a serious threat to crop pro...