Punjab eyes significant increase in white gold acreage

As the cotton sowing season begins, the Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department has intensified its efforts to increase cotton cultivation while ensuring the availability of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU)-certified cotton seeds for farmers across the state. Often referred to as ‘white gold,’ cotton remains a key crop in Punjab’s agricultural landscape.

Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian, along with Additional Chief Secretary Mr. Anurag Verma and PAU Vice-Chancellor Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, convened a meeting to assess the department’s preparations for the upcoming Kharif crop season.

During the meeting, the Agriculture Minister stated that PAU has recommended 87 hybrid cotton seed varieties for cultivation this season. He encouraged farmers to use only these certified seeds to enhance their yield.

Addressing the ongoing challenge of pink bollworm infestation, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian announced that 264 nodal officers have been deployed across seven southwestern districts: Bathinda (70), Fazilka (41), Sri Muktsar Sahib (62), Mansa (42), Sangrur (20), Barnala (16), and Faridkot (13). These officers are responsible for overseeing the management and cleaning of cotton stalks and leftover residues from the previous season, which serve as breeding grounds for pink bollworms. "So far, around 32 percent of the total cotton stalk heaps have been managed/cleaned," he added.

Additionally, a weed eradication campaign has been launched in the cotton belt to control whitefly infestations. This initiative, supported by the district administration, other government departments, and MGNREGA, aims to remove weeds from roadsides, canal banks, and abandoned areas. Furthermore, pink bollworm monitoring is underway in ginning factories, with the assistance of Punjab Mandi Board officials. The fumigation of stored cotton will also be carried out to prevent pink bollworm larvae infestations.

Reaffirming the Punjab Government’s commitment to protecting farmers’ interests, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian urged them to obtain proper receipts or bills for all agricultural purchases, including seeds and fertilizers. He emphasized that these receipts are crucial for ensuring product quality and safeguarding farmers’ rights in case of disputes or substandard products.

The minister also instructed department officials to ensure the availability of high-quality seeds and fertilizers while conducting regular inspections of agricultural input stores. This proactive strategy aims to shield farmers from counterfeit or ineffective products.

The Director of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department informed the minister that they are working closely with the Water Resources Department to ensure timely canal water supply for cotton sowing in the southwestern districts. A schedule outlining water requirements has already been submitted to the concerned department.

The meeting was also attended by Director Research PAU Dr. Ajmer Singh Dhatt, Technical Advisor PWRDA Chandigarh Rajesh Vashisht, and other department officials.