Given below are two statements: Statement I: Paddy bunt is caused by Neovossia horrids. Statement II: Paddy bunt is not a designated disease. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

Correct option is C

· Statement I: Correct. Paddy bunt is caused by the fungus Neovossia horrida, a pathogen responsible for yield losses in rice crops.
· Statement II: Incorrect. Paddy bunt is a designated disease and is recognized for its economic impact on rice cultivation.
· Paddy bunt affects the grains, reducing both yield and quality. Proper seed treatment and resistant varieties are essential for disease control.