Whitefly attack: Next 20 days crucial for cotton crop in south Malwa, say agriculture experts

Bathinda, July 17

The farmers are a worried lot after cases of whitefly attack on the cotton crop surfaced in Bathinda district and other areas of south Malwa.

Though field inputs suggest that the whitefly’s impact on the cotton crop is not visible at the moment, farmers have been advised to stay vigilant for the next 15 to 20 days.

The Agriculture Department has started organising camps in the villages to create awareness among the farmers and keep tabs on the pest attack. Sources said the whitefly attack had been reported in Sangat and Rama blocks and at a few villages in Talwandi Sabo of Bathinda district.

Experts said the situation was not alarming and farmers should follow the advisory issued by the Agriculture Department to control the pest attack in coming days.

Shingara Singh Mann of the BKU (Ekta Ugrahan), said, “The whitefly attack has started affecting the cotton crop. The pest attack has been reported in Jodhpur Romana village and in other areas.”

Deputy Commissioner Jaspreet Singh said, “In Bathinda, the whitefly attack is visible at very few spots. Awareness camps are being organised to create awareness among the farmers .”