Experts, officials plan strategic solutions to revitalise cotton cultivation in Punjab

A significant decline in the area under cotton cultivation has been observed in Punjab over the past seven to eight years, while neighbouring states such as Haryana and Rajasthan continue to show better results in cotton production. Cotton, often referred to as “white gold,” is crucial for the economic stability of Punjab’s semi-arid regions. In response to this decline, an Interstate Consultative and Monitoring Committee meeting on cotton was convened under the chairmanship of Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, vice-chancellor of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana.

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The high-level meeting brought together key stakeholders to discuss strategies for revitalising cotton cultivation and addressing persistent pest infestations. Farmers have faced severe economic setbacks due to crop failures caused by pest attacks and unfavourable weather conditions in recent years. The lack of an organised policy to support cotton cultivation has further discouraged farmers from growing the crop.

Dr Gosal, addressing the gathering, expressed concern over the declining cotton acreage not only in Punjab but also across South and central India. He emphasised the importance of reviving cotton production through a concerted effort to promote cultivation, improve pest and disease management and address irrigation challenges. He highlighted the need for a reliable supply of tube well and canal water to sustain cotton farming and informed the participants that PAU had recommended 59 Bt cotton hybrids. He stressed the importance of ensuring the availability of high-quality seeds for farmers and urged them to follow scientifically validated agronomic practices to enhance plant health and productivity.

On the issue of pest infestations, particularly the pink bollworm, Gosal advocated the widespread use of PAU-recommended mating disruption technology as an effective solution to control pest proliferation. He also advised against growing summer moong in the cotton belt, as it sustains whitefly populations, which contribute to cotton crop damage.

Earlier in the meeting, officials provided updates on ongoing efforts to tackle whitefly infestations, including a joint campaign with district administrations. Key initiatives included the destruction of cotton stick stacks to eliminate pink bollworm carryover, fumigation of ginning factories to reduce pest breeding grounds and conducting training camps at the village and block levels to raise awareness about expanding cotton cultivation and adopting effective pest management strategies.

Experts have warned that a continued decline in cotton cultivation could undermine crop diversification programmes in Punjab, with a large portion of the semi-arid region potentially shifting to water-intensive paddy cultivation. They suggest that the government should involve experts to devise a comprehensive plan to prevent farmers from abandoning cotton farming. Such an organised push could discourage the shift to paddy cultivation, especially in areas where groundwater levels have drastically depleted.

The meeting concluded with a collective commitment to strengthen Punjab’s cotton sector through scientific interventions, collaborative efforts and farmer-centred initiatives.

Notable participants in the meeting included Dr Kulwant Singh, representative of director, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Punjab; Dr Makhan Singh Bhullar, director of Extension Education, PAU; Dr G.S. Mangat, additional director research, PAU; Dr Manmeet Kaur Bhullar, head of entomology, PAU; Dr Jagdish Singh, Chief Agriculture Officer (CAO). Scientists from Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and Farm Advisory Service Centres (FASCs) from Bathinda, Mansa, Sri Muktsar Sahib and Fazilka also attended the meeting.