TODAY -

Climate change and plant diseases
A threat to Manipur's agriculture

Nongthombam Olivia Devi *

 The winter vegetables at Toubul village area under Bishnupur District in January 2016 :: Pix - Deepak Oinam
Manipur's Chilli farmers battle climate change and disease :: Pix - TSE/Mingyashin Shaiza



Manipur, known for its rich biodiversity, is now grappling with a silent but severe threat—climate change-induced plant diseases. Like every other areas, Manipur’s agriculture sector is also facing the wrath of climate change and global warming, which have far more significant implications on agriculture.

In the recent years, Manipur has seen a significant increase in temperature, extreme weather events, unpredictable patterns of rainfall which has threatened the agriculture sector. Such erratic weather conditions have adversely affected the productivity of crops and food grain production. They have also resulted in the increase in incidence and emergence of plant diseases.

Climate change can transform minor plant pathogens causing less damage and incidence into major pathogens causing severe threats since it can provide favourable environments for dissemination, reproduction and survival of the pathogen.

Plant disease result from the interaction of a susceptible host, the presence of virulent pathogen and environment conditions favou- rable for the pathogens development-referred to as a “disease triangle”.

Climate change significantly influences the environmental factors of this triangle. Increased in temperature results in pathogens that were able to survive in warmer condition to expand in other regions that were previously cooler resulting in emergence of new pathogens that were not previously present in the region.

Crop like rice are economically vital for state like Manipur, but such shift have affected the production of rice along with other crops like chilli, tomato, potato etc.

Those diseases that thrive in warm and humid conditionsare favoured by increased evapotranspira-tion from plant due to high temperature and sufficient soil moisture, which further creates humid plant canopy.

Rising soil temperature can also increase soil borne pathogens like Fusarium, Rhizoctonia, Macrophomina etc. Prolonged rainfall coupled with high humidity creates favourable condition espe- cially for fungal plant pathogens to spread and thrive. In contrast, low rainfall causes drought which makes the plant weak and more vulnerable to pathogens.

Emerging threats of climate change to important crops in Manipur

Rice, being the backbone in Manipur’s agriculturehas seen a rise in fungal diseases such asBakanae disease (Fusariumfujikuroi), leaf scald of rice (Gerlachiaoryzae), blast (Magnaportheoryzae), brown spot (Helminthospo-riumoryzae), sheath blight (Rhizoctoniasolani) and grain discouloration.

There incidences are aggravated by excessive rainfall, temperature fluctuation and flooding past the normal waterlogging conditions. Notably, Bakanae disease and leaf scald of rice were once considered minor issues but have now become significant threats to rice production, exacerbated by changing climatic conditions.

Unpredictable rainfall and change in moisture has resulted in the increased incidence of Phytopthorain- festan causing late blight of potato and tomato, such fungal pathogen prefer 7.2°C to 26.8°C temperature range coupled with high moisture. While low moisture and high temperature makes pathogen like powdery mildews thrive.

Sirarakhong chilli, a GI tagged and valued chilli recognized for its flavour and as an heirloom species are also witnessing a sudden surge in diseases like anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum species and two otherunidentified diseases.

As reported in a November 2024 article in The Sangai Express, the incidence of such diseases worsened in the past few years due to unpredictable weather conditions, which may be linked to climate change. Disease incidence coupled with erratic rainfall has further caused the chilli fruits to rot.

Tree bean (Parkiarox-burghii), also known as Yongchak in Manipuri, is a highly prized leguminous tree in Manipur vital for the livelihood of people of Manipur. But in recent years tree beans are slowly drying up and dying in large numbers. This has resulted in the prices to go up and tree beans are now being imported from outside Manipur.

These deaths are directly linked to climate change which has created favorable conditions for pests and diseases. Insect pest such as the Asian horned beetle (Anoplopho-raglabripennis), stem borer (Bactocera sp.) along with fungal pathogens like Fusa-riumoyxsporum, Verti- cillium wilt, collar rot, Botrydiplodiatheobromae, Pestalotiopsis and Pestalo-tiopsisguepeni etc. can also cause wilting and death of tree bean.

The climate change, erratic weather combined with pest and diseases infestation has led to the intensification of tree bean decline in Manipur.

Increased dependency on pesticide

Vegetable like tomato, which are highlyproneto diseases, are laden with pesticides as it has become nearly impossible to grow without heavy reliance on such pesticides.Similarly, diseases like leaf scald of rice have forced farmers to increase pesticide usage, as it remains the only viable method to control its spread.In recent studies, it has been found that pesticide mixture persist both in plant and soil all-round the year.

Farmers in Manipur are under additional pressure as a result of the rise in plant disease incidence, severity, and prevalence brought on by climate change.

Mitigation Strategies

1. Adopting Integrated disease management (IDM) that combine multiple methods like cultural, biological, and chemical methods in a holistic way thereby reducing the need of harmful chemicals.

2. Adopting and promoting the use of disease- resistant varieties that are resilient to changing climate conditions can help mitigate loss.

3. Training the farmers about sustainable disease management practices and climate smart agriculture (precision agriculture, crop diversification, agro ecological practices etc.).

4. AI based technologies like mobile apps., satellites can detect, diagnose and monitor the diseases. They can even predict outbreak of a disease giving the farmer’s sufficient time to take up preventive measures.

5. Plant Pathologist and scientist from various institutes, local communities, and Government agencies need to work together in a collaborative way to study the impact of climate change on plant pathogens.

The State can overcome the challenges of climate change by taking up research, promoting techno- logies, sustainable farming, and combining both modern and traditional knowledge to mitigate the risks and safeguard agricultural systems in Manipur. This requires a collaborative and proactive effort.


* Nongthombam Olivia Devi wrote this article for The Sangai Express
The writer is Assistant Professor,
Department of Plant Pathology,
South Asian Institute of Rural and Agricultural Management (SAIRAM),
Langjing Achouba, Imphal, Manipur
This article was webcasted on February 03, 2025 .



* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.




LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • 76th Republic Day @ Kangla #3 : Gallery
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2025 : Timeline
  • Epom Amadei Ithak - A theatrical revisit
  • Economy of the dynamic global landscape
  • Is the Bhagavad Gita relevant today ?
  • Healthy hair in Winter
  • Guwahati Asian Film Festival (GAFF) 2025
  • From the battlefields to Delhi
  • Speculations on replacement of Chief Minister
  • 12th Legislative Assembly #2 : Gallery
  • Education & its disjuncture in Manipur
  • HUN-Thadou Cultural Fest 2025 : Theme
  • Coo :: Poem
  • Agartala Coach : India U-19 Women Cricket
  • The story of the village of hope
  • Career choice in wetlands
  • CM in Delhi to meet Shah
  • After failed plastic ban bid, on brickfields
  • New catfish species discovered in Chakpi
  • Love, Unsure :: Poem
  • Manipur's border battles: Deeper conflict
  • A world without leprosy
  • Origin of corruption & possible remedies
  • The question of life
  • 'Sereki' unveils Majuli-themed campaign
  • Posers over summons to Delhi
  • Addiction-free campaign
  • Mera Chaorel Houba @Kangla #5 : Gallery
  • Lamtanganba, Adum , Mahaiso : eMing
  • Manipur : Champions Jr Natl Sepaktakraw
  • Effective Unified Command approach
  • Saurashtrian Tamils
  • Accepting the change :: Poem
  • From Kumbh to heaven direct
  • Edge of the seat suspense
  • Wetlands revival efforts reaping fruit
  • Natambakta : Play by JNMDA #4 : Gallery
  • EIIFF 2025 unveils Festival Memento
  • Climate change & plant diseases
  • Shija Hospital- AHPI Healthcare Award
  • Budget 2025: A big gift for middle-class
  • The Science of Success : Attitude #2
  • Cakeology 2025: India's largest cake expo
  • Need to stick to a consistent narrative
  • Leniency on tobacco ban aiding demographic
  • 76th Republic Day @ Kangla #2 : Gallery
  • Pheiroijam Christina - 21st Miss North East
  • Manipur: Gold at 28th Jr National Sepaktakraw
  • Clarion call for redeeming our rightful future
  • The Power of Poppy - 67 :: Poem
  • Clean energy for sustainability
  • Union Budget: Industrialists from NE speaks
  • Balaram Sougaijamba: General of Manipur
  • Nikhil Okram crowned 14th Mister North East
  • Chadong village: Rising from waters with hope
  • Financial literacy for common man
  • Obituary: (L) Pu Thangkholen Sitlhou
  • Nail care in Winters
  • State of war since 2023: No winner, only losers
  • Talks on new district row
  • Radio E-pao: 1000+ songs from Manipur
  • Maibi Jagoi @ Kwak Tanba : Gallery
  • February Calendar for Year 2025 : Tools
  • Ballad of Letting Go :: Poem
  • 2nd Eikhoigi Imphal International Film Fest
  • Deeper exploration of term 'Hill-Valley Divide'
  • Children's Book to adopt 'Look East Policy'
  • Pony registration & conservation
  • Endless suffering of internally displaced child
  • 21st Ningtham Kumhei Fest #2 : Gallery
  • Thiyam Suryamukhi conferred Padma Shri
  • Isolate Kuki Militants by facilitating safe return
  • Sports Meet held at Rongdai Village
  • Eco-Apocalypse: Prevent collapse with Green
  • Grand Finale : 21st Mega Miss North East
  • Time to give more teeth to ST demand
  • 5 years of ILP; what about NRC demand ?
  • Remembering Md Ladu, celebrated polo player
  • The Lament of Love's Deceit :: Poem
  • Need for inculcating value based education
  • Royte - Times Young Entrepreneur Award
  • Glass Child Syndrome ! 'Sibling rivalry'
  • 6 Films for NE Section at GAFF 2025
  • Pony registration & conservation
  • Impartial anti-extortion cell need of the hour
  • 76th Republic Day @ Kangla #1 : Gallery
  • Conservation Strategies of Pethia manipurensis
  • Remembers 13 Brave Indian Soldiers
  • Workshop: Intl Year of Quantum Science
  • Governor's role and discretionary powers
  • Physics workshop for educators at Agartala
  • Who wins Delhi - Daru or Dharma
  • War on Drugs: A war Manipur cannot loses
  • NE turning into transnational drug hub
  • Essence of Gaan-Ngai #2
  • Manipur's dystopian reality
  • The day Light reached the hills
  • 2nd Eikhoigi Imphal Intl Film Fest 2025
  • Why is depreciation of rupee not stopping ?
  • An introduction to Rabies (Hydrophobia) #5
  • Thoithoiba Yelhou Yangkok Artist #2 : Gallery
  • Republic Day Titbits
  • NIT Manipur: Best Design Award @VLSI Design
  • The Power of Poppy - 66 :: Poem
  • Grand Finale: 14th Mega Mister North East
  • Application : FILMART, Hong Kong
  • The Science of Success : Attitude #1
  • 21st Ningtham Kumhei Fest #1 : Gallery
  • Demographic for balkanisation of Manipur
  • Training on Mushroom Cultivation at Nambol
  • Jugeshwor Kshetrimayum receives GELA 2025
  • Construction Committee of Meetei Yumpham
  • Call against misuse of social media
  • Positive & negative aspects of social media
  • In Search of Peace in Manipur
  • Embracing the Shadows :: Poem
  • Dr Manmohan Singh will live on
  • Rise in the price of medicines
  • Respecting the dead- Denying is a disgrace
  • Winter skin care tips for oily skin
  • Illegal immigrants :: Of FMR & border fencing
  • JD-U row exposes national parties' apathy
  • State Gaan-Ngai @Sagolband #2 : Gallery
  • On 'Only BJP can save Manipur'
  • Frontline health workers dispelling darkness
  • 14th East Himalayan Trade Fair
  • Life is plastic
  • Killers on the road : 834 lives lost
  • Call to action to save State's wetlands
  • Essence of Gaan-Ngai #1
  • The Taste of Dreams wins @Red Intl Film Fest
  • Science: 3rd eye for Meitei-Kuki reconciliation
  • Northeast flies high in direct selling
  • Mastering focus amidst distractions
  • An introduction to Rabies (Hydrophobia) #4
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • BJP : Tepid response from the hills
  • BABINA Hospital sets example in healthcare
  • Nitya Ras @Nongmeibung #1 : Gallery
  • Agonizing reality of our country's veteran elites
  • Historicising the colonial narratives
  • NSS Team Departs for National Integration
  • HUN-Thadou Cultural Festival 2025
  • Time to recreate Naga Peoples Convention 2.0
  • Career in nutrition
  • Need to give more meaning to War on Drugs
  • Time for real action not empty rhetoric
  • Foundation: Manipur Press Club #2 : Gallery
  • "Aronba Wari" :: Shumang Leela Synopsis
  • Tripura's livelihoods challenges
  • Archaeological Exhibition @ Kangla : Gallery
  • Gaan-Ngai @Chaopok village #1 : Gallery
  • Manipur needs to affirm her tribal roots
  • Madras/Chennai- 1989 till 2024 : Gallery
  • Investigate "arms recoveries" in Mizoram
  • Training on Mushroom Cultivation
  • NE Direct Selling Conference & Expo
  • Response of Delhi in last 20 months
  • Regulated entry after FMR scrap, border
  • Mutua Bahadur : Preserving Manipuri culture
  • Competitive Altruism: Resolving ethnic conflict
  • Pithe Puli Utsav at Agartala
  • Building the best version of yourself
  • Guwahati Asian Film Festival 2025
  • Tips to keep your lips soft & smooth in winter
  • Subsidised flight tickets for all
  • MCPCR alert on child trafficking fear
  • Imoinu Erat Thouni @ Wangkhei : Gallery
  • Gaan-Ngai celebrating Culture in Delhi NCR
  • The Weeping Gods of Manipur :: Poem
  • Disarming Kuki-Zo armed groups under SoO
  • Why nurses deserve more recognition, pay
  • The hidden truths of our social media lives
  • MMTU stand bang on target: Recapping May 3
  • Enhancing aerial options to ease travel woes
  • 2nd Emoinu Fish Festival #1 : Gallery
  • Sustainable development - climate action #1
  • RIST Talk- 62 : Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • "Technically a BJP MLA will rule Nagaland"
  • Makar Sankranti : vibrant customs & traditions
  • Why gold is a strong hedge but ...
  • Delhi date on January 17
  • Onus of addressing tribal issues on new Guv?
  • Nupilal Ningshing Lamjel #2 : Gallery
  • Licypriya Kangujam: Nat'l Youth Day Award
  • Barak Festival advocates Peace, Progress
  • 'Yu', not fully liberalised
  • Article 355 equals Governor's Rule ?
  • Calls to vote with conscience
  • Zingtun academy leading by example
  • State Gaan-Ngai @Sagolband #1 : Gallery
  • Is Kuki-Zo community pushing Nagas to edge?
  • Will drive to find-treat-prevent TB continue ?
  • Smart Cities, dustier roads ?
  • ST of NE & Dalits of mainland India
  • That May :: Poem
  • Understanding Red, Yellow, Green
  • Cong posers on Govt aid to SoO group
  • Culturals @Tri-Nation Football #1 : Gallery
  • Gaan-Ngai festival of Kabui/Rongmei
  • 40 Years & 04 Stations- Part IV (Madras)
  • Manipur Gold: 34th Sr Natl Sepaktakraw C'ship
  • Public Health Risk Management Training
  • The Power of Poppy - 64 :: Poem
  • The Science of Success #4
  • Hingminashi Eikhoi : Call for unity in diversity
  • A Hymn for Goddess Emoinu
  • Are the foods we eat, correct ?
  • Gangtok, Sikkim (1983 till 1988) : Gallery
  • The Taste of Dreams : Teaser Unveiled
  • Be a child of courage & conquer obstacle
  • Hans Renal Care Centre in Guwahati
  • Focus on pre-May 3, 2023 period
  • Conundrum over the genesis of crisis
  • Misna Chanu aids to Jiribam IDPs : Gallery
  • North-East Students invited to JEE Main 2025
  • Empower the State else avoid blame on CM
  • Obituary : Thaunawjam Brajamohon
  • Hope :: Poem
  • An introduction to Rabies (Hydrophobia) #3
  • Winter makeup tips for dry skin
  • Imphal, Delhi still groping in the dark
  • Tension over assault case, land claims
  • Mega Protest Rally, end AFSPA #2: Gallery
  • Foundation: Manipur Press Club #1 : Gallery
  • Ningol Chakkouba @ Delhi #3 : Gallery
  • Indigenous Pottery Making @Imphal : Gallery
  • AIR Radio Imphal Station - Live streaming
  • Nupi Lal Memorial @Pune #2 : Gallery
  • The historical account of Kabaw Valley #3
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2024 #6: Gallery
  • E-Pao.net : 25th Anniv & 2025 Wishes
  • Protest @Delhi - Murder of Meiteis #2: Gallery
  • "Connections", art exhibitt @ DC : Gallery
  • Observance of Thang-Ta Day #1 : Gallery
  • Mera Chaorel Houba #4 : Gallery
  • Nupi Lal Memorial @Pune #1 : Gallery
  • Meitei Mayek Tamba : Online Classroom #5
  • Indigenous People Cultural Fest #1 : Gallery
  • Maibi Jagoi @ Mera Houchongba: Gallery
  • Mega Protest Rally, end AFSPA #1: Gallery
  • Ta Ta TabuHtoN :: Seireng
  • Downloadable Manipuri Calendar :: 2025
  • GHOST of PEACE :: Download Booklet