A wheat-killing fungal disease, which is being called ‘agriculture’s polio’, is racing like swine flu towards Asia from Africa, crippling food baskets in seven countries. India, also at risk, has got a global breakthrough with its first line of defence — 20 varieties that can fight an attack.

According to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the Ug99 fungus is on a “wind-borne trip around the globe” and poses a “genuine risk” to global food security and could push millions into hunger.

In 2008, India formally joined global efforts to fight Ug99, led by the NY-based Borlaug Global Rust Initiative (BGRI). Within two years of research, the Karnal-based Directorate of Wheat Research, led by its head, SS Singh, isolated genes that can fend off the fungus.

The fungus is a constantly-moving one, having been blown from Uganda to Sudan and Yemen, until it reached Iran last year. Scientists think Ug99’s detection in Iran endangers Pakistan and India.”

Western scientists believe Punjab can’t be safe for long unless solid defences are put up, but Singh said India was fully prepared and secure.

The 20 resistant wheat varieties are being grown along India’s borders as a shield, resembling a fence. They have also been offered to other affected countries under an agreement with BGRI for trials.

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