Date:04/08/2004 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2004/08/04/stories/2004080402511901.htm

Back Perambalur onion hit by pest

Our Correspondent

MADURAI: Onion growers of Perambalur district have been forced to sell their produce at low prices due to pest attack. They are not able to sell even at break-even price.

The district is well-known for cultivation of small onions. Pest attack during this summer has affected the crop severely, reducing the size and the yield, from the usual five tonnes to two tonnes, according to farmers.

Mr R. Raja Chidambaram, Secretary of Tamizhaga Vivasayigal Sangam, said that the efforts to check the attack had failed and many growers have sustained heavy loss.

The damage has been caused by a sucking pest called thrip and the drought in the region has also contributed to the attack, official sources said.