{
  "id": 4246766,
  "title": "Viral Disease Ravages Chilli Crops, Farmers Uproot Plants As Losses Mount In MP’s Barwani",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/29/viral-disease-ravages-chilli-crops-farmers-uproot-plants-as-losses",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-29T17:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Press Journal",
    "slug": "free-press-journal",
    "url": "https://www.freepressjournal.in/indore/viral-disease-ravages-chilli-crops-farmers-uproot-plants-as-losses-mount-in-mps-barwani"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "An outbreak of viral disease in chilli crops of Barwani district, Madhya Pradesh, has caused significant distress among farmers, with production losses and low market prices plaguing the community. In Rajpur area, farmers have reported devastating losses, with one farmer spending over Rs one lakh on two acres of chilli cultivation that was eventually destroyed by the virus. Several farmers have decided to uproot their plants and prepare the land for the next crop, rather than attempting to salvage the affected chillies.\n\nFarmer Ramesh Shobharam Kushwaha, who planted chillies on two acres, spent more than Rs one lakh but now faces a total loss. Shubham Ramlal, another affected farmer, had invested between Rs 2.5 lakh and Rs 3 lakh on three acres before his crop was decimated. Jitendra Gandhwani explained that the cultivation of chillies costs around Rs 60,000 to Rs 70,000 per acre, leaving many farmers struggling to recover even the labor expenses.\n\nMahesh Dhannalal claimed that between 100 and 200 farmers in the Rajpur area have been affected by this viral disease, and the number could rise to hundreds across the tehsil. Chilli cultivation spans approximately 20,000 hectares in Barwani district, with farmers contending with low yields and weak market prices. The Bharatiya Kisan Sangh has called for an early survey of affected areas and relief for farmers, while Congress workers have offered loans and opened tea stalls in protest against inflation.",
  "summary": "Indore (Madhya Pradesh): An outbreak of viral disease affecting chilli crops in Rajpur area of Barwani district has emerged as a major concern for farmers, with production falling as leaves curl and chillies remain stunted. Farmers said they are facing a double blow of crop losses and low market prices, as undersized chillies are not fetching good rates. Farmer Ramesh Shobharam Kushwaha said he…",
  "key_points": [
    "Viral disease ravages chilli crops in Barwani district, Madhya Pradesh.",
    "Farmers report devastating losses, uprooting plants and preparing land.",
    "Over 100 farmers affected, with cultivation spanning 20,000 hectares."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}