Pilibhit: Sugarcane fields across Uttar Pradesh are facing a serious threat from a rising infestation of black bugs, prompting urgent action from state agricultural authorities. The Cane Commissioner, Pramod Kumar Upadhyay, confirmed that teams of sugarcane experts have been dispatched to survey the affected areas and assess the extent of the damage, reports The Times of India.
Adding to the concern, some regions are also witnessing attacks by pyrilla, a pest known for damaging sugarcane crops. “These insects harm the plants by feeding on the sap from the leaves and stems, which causes the leaves to dry up, slows down growth, lowers sugar levels in the cane, and reduces the overall harvest,” said Upadhyay.
The Sugarcane Department has issued an advisory to farmers with instructions on how to manage the pest problem. The recommendations have been developed by the Uttar Pradesh Council of Sugarcane Research. The advisory, which also lists insecticides and how to apply them, has been sent to all 121 private and cooperative sugar mills in the state. Mills have been told to treat the situation as an urgent priority.
This year’s pest problem comes on the heels of another major challenge faced by farmers last season—red rot disease, commonly referred to as “sugarcane cancer.” The outbreak significantly reduced both crop yields and sugar content, forcing many sugar mills to shut down earlier than usual during the 2024–25 cycle.
Upadhyay said the current initiative is aimed at helping farmers recover from the setbacks of last year. “We are taking swift steps to make sure farmers get the help they need to protect their crops and avoid further losses,” he said.
Uttar Pradesh is India’s leading sugarcane-growing state, with more than 40 lakh farmers cultivating the crop across 28 to 30 lakh hectares in 45 districts. Of these, 28 districts are considered major production hubs.
