Sangrur, Sept. 22 -- As early procurement of paddy begins across the state, farmers are facing crop challenges, including discoloration, false smut disease and brown planthopper infestations.

Agriculture officials have flagged false smut-a fungal disease-as the most concerning issue. Narinderpal Singh, agriculture development officer, said the disease, which replaces rice grain with yellow spore ball on the panicle and reduces the paddy quality, has seen a sharp increase this year due to heavy rains and conducive weather conditions.

"While false smut appears annually, this season it is more widespread. Farmers have been advised to apply chemical sprays recommended by Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) to contain the disease," he said....