Chandigarh, Aug. 27 -- Haryana agriculture minister Shyam Singh Rana on Tuesday informed the assembly that out of the total 40 lakh acre area under paddy cultivation, the paddy in 92,000 acres have been affected by what is called southern rice black-streaked dwarf virus (SRBSDV).

Replying to calling attention notices of Congress MLA Aditya Surjewala and INLD MLAs Arjun Chautala and Aditya Devilal regarding outbreak of the virus in question in paddy crops in Karnal, Kurukshetra, Ambala, Yamunanagar and Kaithal districts, Rana assured the assembly that the government is alert and taking necessary steps to deal with the threat SRBSDV is posing to the paddy.

The minister said that agricultural scientists are monitoring the situation, and fa...