Cotton sowing area in Punjab may shrink again

19-Apr-2025 01:14 PM

Bathinda. Despite efforts to control pink bollworm infestation through a pilot project in Punjab last season, many farmers are unsatisfied with the results.

While the AI-based monitoring provided timely alerts, several farmers claim that pest control measures were ineffective, leading to significant crop losses.

Amid the persistent pink bollworm threat and growing water scarcity, a number of farmers are planning to reduce or stop cotton cultivation this year.

Early cotton sowing has already begun in parts of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan, but farmers in pest-affected areas are especially hesitant.

In Punjab, cotton is primarily grown in the Malwa region, with key production districts including Mansa, Bathinda, Muktsar, Faridkot, and Fazilka-Abohar.

Last season, cotton sowing in the state declined to 97 thousand hectares, with production dropping to 2.72 lakh bales.

Farmers cite pest damage, water shortage, and falling yields as major reasons behind the declining trend in cotton cultivation.