Fri Mar 14 09:27:28 UTC 2025: ## Whitefly Disease Ravages Karnataka’s Coconut Crops
**Bengaluru, March 14, 2025** – A widespread whitefly infestation is devastating Karnataka’s coconut crop, impacting an estimated 1.48 lakh hectares across 14 districts, according to Industries Minister M.B. Patil. The hardest hit areas include Tumakuru and Hassan, with 64,457 and 34,530 hectares affected respectively. Other significantly impacted districts include Chikkamagaluru, Mandya, Mysuru, Davanagere, Chitradurga, Shivamogga, Dakshina Kannada, Chamarajanagar, Ramanagara, Bengaluru Rural, and Kolar.
The disease has reportedly reduced coconut yields by over 50%, driving up prices. Legislators Suresh Babu (JD(S)) and Suresh Gowda (BJP) have called for compensation of ₹50,000 per acre for affected farmers.
Minister Patil, responding on behalf of the Horticulture Minister, stated that the government is focusing on boosting the natural immunity of coconut trees to combat the infestation. A ₹15.31 crore grant has been allocated under the Coconut Development Board Scheme for integrated nutrient management, providing ₹35,000 per hectare for two years to maintain demonstration plots. While ₹60.33 crore was utilized for demonstrations in 2023-24, the Minister acknowledged that pesticide use is ineffective against whiteflies and that awareness campaigns are underway. He also dismissed the effectiveness of drone-based pesticide spraying for coconut plantations.
First Piper 