Global Perspective: Indian Punjab Encounters The Crisis Of Pink Bollworm

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After cotton in several villages in Bathinda and Mansa, Punjab, India, was attacked by pink bollworm, officials of the Indian Punjab Ministry of Agriculture have deployed senior officials to cotton fields in four regions to help affected cotton farmers.

Gurmeet Singh Khuddian, the minister of the Punjab Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, also cancelled all holidays including weekends for agricultural staff of the cotton belt in Fazilka, Petinda, Mansa and Muktsar before the end of the month.

Khuddian said: "In order to help farmers in the cotton belt fight against pink bollworm, four senior officials have been assigned to Fazilka, Petinda, Mansa and Mugdesher regions. These officials will visit cotton fields to inspect cotton and guide cotton farmers to prevent such pest attacks. The next 15 days are crucial for cotton."

In 2021, cotton was seriously damaged by pink bollworm, which led to a yield reduction of nearly 34%, and Petinda was the hardest hit. In 2021, the total cotton planting area of the state will be 252000 hectares.

At that time, the Punjab government led by Charanjit Singh Channi announced that it would provide compensation of 17000 rupees per acre to cotton farmers.

Last year, the cotton planting area of the state was 248000 hectares, which will be significantly reduced to 175000 hectares in 2023, of which Fazirka has the largest planting area, 92000 hectares.

In Punjab, the cotton belt is distributed in eight areas in the southwest of the state, namely Fazilka, Petinda, Mansa, Mugdesher, Sangrur, Barnala, Moga, Faridkot. More than 95% of cotton growing areas are concentrated in Fazilka, Petinda, Mansa and Mugdesher.

The cotton belt has not been affected by floods, and cotton farmers in Abohar are still complaining about water shortage. However, according to agricultural experts, cotton with water is the reason for the rampant pest.

At the same time, raw cotton procurement will officially start on August 21 in Arbor Hull. This purchase will be the cotton at the lower part of the plant, commonly known as "foot flower". When the upper part blooms, the cotton at the lower part can be picked. Therefore, we should be alert to the insect pests at this time.

In addition to requiring officials of the Ministry of Agriculture to go deep into the fields, Khudian also instructed them to send a report to the headquarters every day after their visit. He said that any dereliction of duty or slackness would lead to severe action, because now is the critical moment to help farmers save cotton.

He said: "We should ensure that farmers are provided with high-quality pesticides and pesticides. Officials should visit pesticide stores and production units to regularly sample and check the quality and price of pesticides. The sellers will pay the price."

The minister also warned companies and distributors not to bundle unnecessary products with pesticides and fertilizers to farmers. He said that he would take measures against those found addicted to such misconduct