Patiala, Aug. 8 -- A few farmers in Patiala district are re-transplanting paddy in areas affected by the dwarf virus as a measure to mitigate the impact of widespread crop damage. They are reportedly resorting to this action after experiencing repeated failures in controlling the virus outbreak despite using recommended insecticides.

The distressed farmers have blamed Punjab Agriculture University (PAU), Ludhiana, for their losses as they had sown university's recommended seed procured from the university itself.

The Southern Rice Black-Streaked Dwarf Virus (SRBSDV), causing a rice dwarf disease, poses a significant threat to rice production in Punjab, with notable damage reported in several districts this year.

Experts say the white-b...