With the cotton sowing season approaching, Punjab's Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department has intensified efforts to boost the cultivation of the crop, often referred to as ‘white gold’. The state is focusing on increasing acreage, ensuring quality seed availability, and implementing stringent pest control measures to protect farmers' yields.
Punjab Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian, along with Additional Chief Secretary Anurag Verma and PAU Vice-Chancellor Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, held a high-level meeting on Tuesday to review preparations for the upcoming Kharif season. Emphasizing the importance of certified seeds, Khudian urged farmers to use only Punjab Agricultural University (PAU)-recommended hybrid cotton seeds, of which 87 varieties have been approved for cultivation this year.
To counter the recurring pink bollworm menace, the state has deployed 264 nodal officers across seven key cotton-growing districts — Bathinda (70), Fazilka (41), Sri Muktsar Sahib (62), Mansa (42), Sangrur (20), Barnala (16), and Faridkot (13). These officers are actively overseeing the removal of cotton stalks and leftover residues, which serve as breeding grounds for pests. So far, 32 percent of these stalk heaps have been managed, with efforts ongoing.
In addition, the statewide weed eradication campaign has been launched to combat whitefly infestations. The initiative, backed by district administrations, multiple departments, and MGNREGA, aims to clear weeds along roads, canals, and abandoned sites — common habitats for the pest. Meanwhile, ginning factories are being closely monitored in collaboration with the Punjab Mandi Board, and fumigation of cotton stocks will be carried out to eliminate pink bollworm larvae.
Reaffirming the Punjab Government’s commitment to safeguarding farmers’ rights, Khudian urged cultivators to demand proper receipts and bills for all purchases, especially seeds and fertilizers. These documents, he stressed, are crucial in ensuring product authenticity and providing legal protection in case of disputes or substandard goods.
Additionally, the Minister has directed department officials to ensure an adequate supply of quality seeds and fertilizers, along with regular inspections of seed and fertilizer stores. This proactive approach aims to prevent the distribution of subpar agricultural inputs that could adversely affect cotton production.
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 availability for cotton sowing in southwestern districts. A water requirement schedule has already been submitted, reinforcing the government's commitment to smooth and efficient cotton cultivation this season.
