Karnal, Aug. 1 -- Scientists from the Rice Research Station (RRS) in Kaul, Kaithal, a regional research centre under Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, have found traces of Southern Rice Black-Streaked Dwarf Virus, also known as Fiji virus, in several villages across Haryana's paddy belt. After three days of field surveys, the scientists said that they have detected the spread of virus in Kaithal, Karnal and Kurukshetra districts, while there have been reports from Ambala and Yamunanagar districts as well. Farmers in the belt now fear widespread damage due to crop dwarfing, which also occurred in the region last year. Officials said the virus was first reported in the region in 2022, resurfaced last year, and has returned again this season. They said the virus poses a serious threat to crop productivity and growth. It may affect the yield by nearly 80%. According to Vishal Gandhi, assistant scientist in plant pathology department, the disease restricts plant growth, causing erected dark green leaves and weak brown roots, which overall hampers crop production.. Mehar Chand, regional director of the station said that given the developing situation, a fortnightly advisory is being issued to farmers to remain vigilant and immediately remove infected plants upon virus detection.htc...