Shankarpura Mallige under pest threat

This special variety of jasmine is synonymous with the aroma of the soil of temple town. The fragrance of jasmine is spread across far way places with Geographical Indication (GI) tag. In fact, absence of this flower variety in any of the ceremonies held in these areas blots the impression of incompleteness. 

However, the reality is sour in contrast to the fame and popularity of the jasmine buds. The cultivation covers pretty vast area in Shakarapura, Bantakal, Heroor, Innanje and Shirva. The crop is the source of livelihood for many people in these areas. As many as 800 flowers make one ‘chendu’. Four ‘chendus’ make one ‘atte’.

At present, the farmers who are dependent on the farming of Shankarapura Mallige are experiencing tough days as their growths are destroyed by the diseases. Jasmine buds have been infected with the disease that germinates off the bud and results in drying of the sprouts.

Speaking to City Herald, farmer Andrew Lobo said that he used to grow nearly 90 ‘chendus’ per day on peak season and not less than 70 to 80 on other days. “However yesterday, I was able to reap only 5 ‘chendus’. The yield is decreasing day by day. I have tried all sorts of fertilisers and fungicides, still I am not able to get good yield. Climatic variations and untimely rainfall seems to be major concern for the unhealthy growth of jasmine saplings. This year we experienced extreme and premature seasonal changes. Monsoon season lasted for longer than the scheduled days. This was followed by severe chilled weather. Both are unfavorable climatic conditions for the growth of jasmine buds. Besides these conditions support the growth of infectious diseases in the plants,” he added.

Another cultivator Albert Castelino opined that the reason for the diseases is purely due to continuous use of harmful chemical medicines in place of traditional organic manure and medicines. He said these days the growers get variety of medicines in shops and these harmful medicines when sprinkled, burns the shoots of the plants. Proper pesticides should be used by the growers, he said.

Horticulture Department has set up a team comprising Senior Assistant Director of Horticulture and Assistant Horticulture Officer to make a study over the decrease in the growth of jasmine buds and consequently diseases affecting the buds. Assistant Horticulture Officer Guruprasad informed that the team has visited the affected areas on Friday and has prepared the report based on the findings. “At the outset, it seems as though the impact of ash pond of UPCL power plant situated few kilometers away has led to the decrease in the growth of jasmine buds. The fly ash that covers the plant hinders photosynthesis process. Another major problem is UPCL pipelines passing through the fields in these areas. Effluent sea water has been discharged through these pipelines. These pipelines have many damages and leaks. Jasmine saplings come in contact with contaminated sea water with abundant salt contents that is leaked. This is hazardous to the plants and it damages the entire crop,” he said. “However, we will be able to come out with a clear picture only after thorough study of the condition of the plants. The reports will be submitted by Monday,” he said. The outcome, however, will reveal the causes behind the disastrous damages to the jasmine flowers famed for its aroma across the country as well as abroad. Follow ups aiding supportive measures to the farmers to tackle the diseases affecting the flower buds is need of the hour. The government should take immediate measures to protect the rare jasmine variety that is grown only in this part of coastal belt from becoming extinct.