Punjab: Cotton Farmers Distressed as Pink Bollworm Infestation Detected in Abohar's Cotton Fields

Cotton cultivators in Abohar, Punjab, are expressing concerns over the presence of pink bollworms in their fields. However, authorities assure that there is currently no need to panic as the pest population remains below the economic threshold level (ETL). The appearance of these pests has been observed in fields where farmers planted the crop before the recommended timeframe of April 15 to May 15.

One resident, Satadev from Telupura village, shared his predicament after leasing eight acres of land for cotton cultivation at a cost of ₹42,000 per acre. Despite applying pesticides twice, his crop, now standing at about two feet tall, has been impacted not only by pink bollworms but also by green stink bugs and leaf curls. The formation of buds indicates potential losses due to the bollworm infestation, which adds to the challenges faced last year when his crop was affected by whiteflies.

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Another farmer, Pawan, hailing from Telupura village, revealed that his 10-acre cotton field has fallen victim to pink bollworms. He urged the Punjab government to provide subsidized pesticides through cooperative agricultural societies.

Gagandeep Singh, Assistant Agriculture Officer in Abohar, confirmed that bollworm attacks have been reported in approximately 25-30 acres of cotton fields per village. The department had previously issued warnings about the pest threat, but the current infestation remains minor and falls below the ETL. 

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Singh has also advised farmers not to panic, urging them to diligently monitor their fields and employ insecticides such as Proclaim, Avath, and Ethion. Cotton growers have also been instructed to continue irrigating their crops.

It is worth noting that in 2021, 34% of raw cotton was lost due to bollworm attacks, while heavy losses were observed in the south Malwa region of Punjab in 2022.

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