Cotton farmers in North Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana have faced considerable losses recently due to relentless attacks by pink bollworms, presenting a formidable new challenge. Pink bollworm, a notorious cotton pest, has persistently inflicted damage due to a variety of factors, including climate conditions, insufficient crop rotation, and its ability to develop resistance to certain pesticides.
In response, the Rajasthan Government has launched a proactive initiative to combat Pink Bollworm (PBW) infestation in key cotton-growing districts, notably Hanumangarh, Ganganagar, and Bikaner in the state. In these districts, close to 6 lakh hectares of cotton were sown last year.
As part of the campaign, the agriculture department in the state has been advised to engage with farmers and raise awareness by educating them on the issue. The department was supported by many leading seed companies in raising awareness about pink bollworm infestation among farmers. Over 600 Gram Panchayat level meetings were conducted as part of this campaign, engaging cotton producing farmers in the region. These gatherings served as vital platforms for disseminating information and offering practical guidance on PBW management strategies. Furthermore, efforts were made to raise awareness through extensive media coverage at the local level.
Rasi Seeds, a leading hybrid seed company, reached out to more than 20,000 farmers through such engagements.
Dr. Rishi Kumar, Principal Scientist and Head of Northern Regional Station, ICAR-Central Institute for Cotton Research (CICR), Sirsa, Haryana, has played a pivotal role in implementing effective PBW management strategies. His expertise has informed the formulation of tailored recommendations to address PBW challenges, ensuring sustainable cotton cultivation practices in North Rajasthan.
Some of the key recommendations include deep ploughing after harvesting Rabi crops to expose PBW pupae to sunlight, clearing fields before cotton sowing to eliminate potential sources of infestation, using plastic sheets or nets to prevent adult PBW moths from accessing the crop, and deploying pheromone traps around 40-50 days after sowing to monitor and control PBW infestation. By diligently implementing these measures, farmers can mitigate PBW infestation and potentially increase cotton crop yields in the region.
Roop Singh Meena, a distinguished scientist at the Agriculture Research Station, Sriganganagar, underscores the need for proactive measures against pink bollworm infestation. He stresses the importance of following recommended strategies, including
proper crop residue management before sowing, and preparing for adverse weather conditions throughout the crop cycle, as these conditions can significantly impact cotton yields.
Experts emphasize the importance of comprehensive crop coverage during pesticide spraying, with precise intervals and correct quantities during application. Ensuring that plants are entirely dry when spraying is crucial, and farmers are advised against using
‘ready-to-use’ pesticide mixtures.
Other effective techniques include adopting crop rotation to disrupt the pink bollworm’s life cycle, planting cotton early to establish the crop before the peak infestation period, and utilizing trap crops like okra to divert pink bollworm moths away from cotton fields. Regular monitoring for signs of infestation, such as damaged bolls and larvae, is crucial for early detection. Additionally, the use of pheromone traps helps track pink bollworm activity and enables farmers to optimize the timing of pesticide applications.
A similar situation of PBW menace was successfully handled and managed through collaborative efforts in central and south India in earlier years. With active direction and collaborative efforts from the Department of Agriculture, the situation can also be successfully handled in the north The message is clear – abandoning cotton farming is not the solution. Instead, it’s about equipping oneself with knowledge and applying expert-advice techniques. Cotton farming remains a profitable and beneficial pursuit when these valuable lessons are put into practice.
Indian cotton farmers are the backbone of the country’s textile industry, which plays a significant role on the global stage. By continuing to grow cotton, India can maintain its leadership position in the world of cotton production and textiles. Furthermore, cotton farming offers a viable solution to break away from the disadvantages of the wheat-paddy cycle, providing both economic and environmental benefits. It’s a path that promises sustainable growth and prosperity for the nation.