Disease, pest attack cut sugarcane output in western UP; losses pegged at Rs 2,000 crore

Disease, pest attack cut sugarcane output in western UP; losses pegged at Rs 2,000 crore

Meerut: Sugarcane farmers across western Uttar Pradesh have suffered heavy losses this season as disease, pest attacks and unfavourable weather conditions reduced crop output, impacting both farm incomes and sugar production, Hindustan reported. The widely grown Co-0238 sugarcane variety has been affected by red rot disease, leading to a 15–20% drop in cane availability. At the same time, infestations of red spider mites and whiteflies further d…