Punjab to Expand Cotton Acreage: PAU-Recommended Seeds and Pink Bollworm Management at the Forefront
Punjab Plans Major Expansion of Cotton Acreage with PAU-Recommended Seeds
Chandigarh, March 11, 2025 — As the Kharif sowing season approaches, Punjab’s Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department is ramping up efforts to boost the state’s cotton acreage, often referred to as “white gold.” The move aligns with the Punjab government’s commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity, ensuring farmers have access to quality inputs, and addressing key pest management challenges such as pink bollworm and whitefly.
In a crucial meeting held recently, Agriculture Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian along with Additional Chief Secretary Anurag Verma and PAU Vice-Chancellor Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, reviewed preparations for the upcoming Kharif season, focusing particularly on the cotton crop.
Use of PAU-Certified Cotton Seeds Urged for Maximum Yield
One of the key highlights of the meeting was the emphasis on using PAU-certified cotton seeds. The Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has recommended 87 varieties of hybrid cotton seeds for cultivation in the state, all carefully selected to maximize yield while addressing environmental challenges. Minister Khudian encouraged farmers to exclusively use these certified varieties to ensure healthy crops and enhanced productivity.
“Only PAU-certified seeds can guarantee better resistance to pests and diseases, ultimately increasing the yield. We urge all farmers to adopt these seeds for successful sowing in the upcoming Kharif season,” stated S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian.
Tackling Pink Bollworm Infestation in Southwestern Punjab
The persistent issue of pink bollworm infestation continues to affect cotton crops, leading to crop loss and lower yields. To mitigate this, the Punjab government has deployed 264 nodal officers across seven southwestern districts—Bathinda, Fazilka, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Mansa, Sangrur, Barnala, and Faridkot. These officers are entrusted with the responsibility of managing cotton stalks from the previous season, which are known to serve as breeding grounds for the bollworm.
As of the latest report, approximately 32% of cotton stalk heaps have already been cleaned and managed. This initiative aims to significantly reduce the breeding grounds of the pink bollworm and minimize the risk of infestation in the upcoming season.
Weed Eradication Campaign for Whitefly Management
In addition to pink bollworm management, the Agriculture Department has initiated a comprehensive weed eradication campaign across the cotton belt. The campaign, supported by district administrations and various other departments, aims to eliminate weeds along roads, canals, and abandoned sites—areas that have historically served as breeding grounds for whitefly, another major pest that affects cotton crops.
Special teams are focusing on weed destruction as part of a broader effort to control the whitefly population. In parallel, the department is also closely monitoring activities in ginning factories where pink bollworm larvae may infest cotton stocks. Fumigation will be conducted to prevent contamination during the ginning process.
Ensuring Quality Inputs for Farmers
Minister Gurmeet Khudian also addressed the importance of ensuring quality seeds and fertilizers are available for farmers. He emphasized that farmers should always insist on getting proper receipts for all agricultural purchases, especially for seeds and fertilizers, as this ensures accountability and legal protection in case of substandard goods.
The Agriculture Department has been actively conducting inspections of seed and fertilizer stores across the state. This proactive approach is aimed at protecting farmers from harmful or ineffective agricultural inputs, ensuring that they receive only the best quality products for their crops.
Collaboration for Timely Water Availability
Another critical aspect of the upcoming cotton sowing season is the availability of canal water for irrigation in the southwestern districts. To ensure that farmers can carry out the sowing without interruption, the Agriculture Department has been in regular consultation with the Water Resources Department. A schedule of water requirements has already been submitted to the Water Resources Department to ensure timely availability of water for cotton sowing.
Punjab’s Commitment to Farmers’ Welfare
- Gurmeet Singh Khudian reaffirmed the commitment of the Punjab Government under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to safeguard the rights and welfare of farmers. By enhancing the acreage of cotton, ensuring access to quality inputs, and proactively addressing pest management, the state aims to make Punjab a leader in cotton production while boosting farmer incomes.
“The government is committed to providing every possible support to our farmers. From ensuring quality seeds and fertilizers to managing pests effectively, we are focused on delivering tangible results for the farming community,” Khudian emphasized.
Key Measures for the Upcoming Kharif Season
- 87 PAU-certified hybrid cotton varieties recommended for cultivation.
- 264 Nodal Officers deployed across seven southwestern districts for pest management.
- A weed eradication campaign underway to control whitefly and other pests.
- Regular inspections of seed and fertilizer stores to ensure quality products.
- Timely availability of canal water ensured for cotton sowing.
Conclusion
With the upcoming Kharif season fast approaching, the Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department’s proactive measures to control pests, promote the use of certified seeds, and ensure the availability of quality agricultural inputs are expected to result in a significant increase in cotton acreage across the state. These efforts will not only enhance cotton production but also support Punjab’s status as a key player in India’s agricultural sector, contributing to the state’s economic growth and the well-being of its farmers.