CropsLeaves are discolouring and plants drying across Rajarhat, Ulipur and Sadar; agriculture officials blame mealybug, drought and excess fertiliser, and the affected area has not been determined.
LivestockAgriLife Extension specialists say producers with timely rain built stocks, while those hit by dry weather and mealybug will lean on last year's hay.
Rooftop farmingSarabangla suggests neem oil, garlic and soap-water sprays for mealybugs, and turmeric, cinnamon, baking soda and diluted hydrogen peroxide against rot, without chemical pesticides, reminding gardeners that controlling pests and curing rot call for different remedies.
Mealybugs have attacked Aman rice fields across Kurigram, including Ulipur and Rajarhat; the extension office says drought may be driving the outbreak and is advising farmers in the field.
FruitsA practical guide to recognising and preventing fruit and leaf rot, Phytophthora stem rot and mealybug wilt in pineapple, drawn from BARI and extension advice: healthy suckers, good drainage and careful harvesting are the best protection.
FruitsWhite, cotton-like patches on pomegranate leaves, twigs and fruit mean mealybugs are sucking the tree's sap. Here is how to recognise them and control them with pruning, trunk bands, natural enemies and neem, keeping chemical sprays as a last resort.
