SANGRUR, Oct. 16 -- As the paddy harvesting season nears in the Malwa belt, farmers in Sangrur and Malerkotla districts are dealing with low yield, financial losses due to dwarf virus.

The data from the district agriculture department reveals that 5,475 acres of farmland in Sangrur and 860 acres in Malerkotla have been affected by the virus causing financial losses to farmers. However, Barnala district reported zero cases.

Chief agriculture officer, Barnala, Harbans Singh said that the district recorded zero dwarf cases.

The disease causes the crop to stop growing, dry out completely, and lose all yield, leaving the plant without a single grain.

Farmers who invested heavily in cultivation and government-recommended varieties are now f...