Punjab’s cotton future in focus at PAU-led consultative meeting

Ludhiana, March 19, 2025: An Interstate Consultative and Monitoring Committee meeting on cotton was convened at Kheti Bhawan, Bathinda, under the chairmanship of Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana. The high-level deliberation brought together key stakeholders to strategize on revitalizing cotton cultivation and tackling pest infestations.

The meeting witnessed the participation of distinguished officials, including Dr. Kulwant Singh, Representative of Director, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Punjab; Dr. Makhan Singh Bhullar, Director Extension Education, PAU; Dr. G.S. Mangat, Additional Director Research, PAU; Dr. Manmeet Kaur Bhullar, Head Entomology, PAU; Dr. Jagdish Singh, Chief Agriculture Officer (CAO), Bathinda; Dr. Harpreet Kaur, CAO, Mansa; Dr. Karamjit Singh, CAO, Moga; Dr. Sandeep Rinwa, CAO, Fazilka; Dr. Charanjit Singh, Deputy Director, Cotton; Dr. Jagsir Singh, CAO, Barnala; and Dr. Dharamvir Singh, CAO, Sangrur. Scientists from Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and Farm Advisory Service Centres (FASCs) of Bathinda, Mansa, Sri Muktsar Sahib, and Fazilka were also in attendance.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Gosal expressed concern over the declining cotton acreage in Punjab and across the cotton-growing regions of South and Central India. He underscored the necessity of reviving the crop by promoting its cultivation and ensuring effective pest and disease management.

The Vice-Chancellor emphasized meticulous field monitoring and the judicious use of PAU-recommended insecticides to combat whitefly and pink bollworm infestations. Highlighting irrigation challenges, Dr. Gosal pointed out the critical need for a steady supply of tubewell and canal water to sustain cotton production. He informed the participants that PAU has recommended 59 Bt cotton hybrids, and efforts must be made to ensure their availability in high-quality seed form. He also urged farmers to follow scientifically validated agronomic practices for improved plant health and productivity.
Deliberating on pink bollworm infestation, Dr. Gosal advocated the widespread implementation of PAU-recommended Mating

Disruption Technology, a proven method for curbing pest proliferation. He also advised farmers against growing summer moong in the cotton belt, citing its role in sustaining whitefly populations.

Earlier, officials briefed the gathering on the campaign launched in collaboration with district administrations to counter whitefly infestations. They highlighted ongoing initiatives, including the destruction of cotton stick stacks to eliminate pink bollworm carryover, fumigation of ginning factories to curb pest breeding grounds, and village- and block-level training camps to raise awareness about expanding cotton cultivation and adopting effective pest management strategies.

The consultative meeting concluded with a shared commitment to bolstering Punjab’s cotton sector through scientific interventions, collaborative efforts, and farmer-centric initiatives.
2025: