North Indian Cotton Cultivation Is Halted by the Pink Bollworm Crisis
For nearly four years, the pink bollworm has devastated cotton crops in the northern Indian states of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan. This infestation has led to a significant decrease in cotton cultivation, falling from around 160,000 hectares last year to only 100,000 hectares this year, as of the first week of July.
Pink Bollworm Infestation First Detected in 2017
The pink bollworm (PBW), also known as gulabi sundhi among farmers, damages cotton crops by burrowing its larvae into the cotton bolls, resulting in the lint being cut and stained, making it unfit for use. Effective techniques to prevent PBW attacks exist but have not been widely adopted by farmers.
The pest first appeared in North India during the 2017-18 season in select locations of Haryana and Punjab, primarily affecting Bt cotton. By 2021, it began causing significant damage in several districts in Punjab, including Bathinda, Mansa, and Muktsar, where approximately 54% of the area under cotton production experienced varying degrees of PBW infestation. Adjoining areas in Rajasthan also reported PBW infestation during that period.
Spread and Impact of PBW in North India
Since 2021, PBW attacks have increased annually in Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan. In Punjab, the affected districts include Bathinda, Mansa, and Muktsar. In Rajasthan, Sri Ganganagar and Hanumangarh are impacted, while in Haryana, Sirsa, Hisar, Jind, and Fatehabad are affected. Two months after sowing this year, reports of PBW infestation are emerging across these states.
Methods to Control PBW Spread: PBW spreads through the air and infected crop residues left in fields, with infected cotton seeds being another source. Experts advise spraying insecticides once PBW is detected; frequent applications can save uninfested bolls. Fields with PBW should not be planted with cotton for at least one season, and crop residues should be promptly burned, avoiding the mixing of healthy and unhealthy seeds.
Preventive Measures: Applying synthetic pheromone paste to cotton plant stems can prevent male insects from finding females. This paste should be applied to 350-400 plants per acre at 45-50 days, 80 days, and 110 days after sowing. Another technique, PBKnot Technology, uses thread knots with pheromone dispensers to confuse male moths, and these should be tied to cotton plants when they are 45-50 days old.
Challenges with Adoption: Farmers are hesitant to adopt new techniques and technologies due to the extra cost and lack of immediate benefits. There is a lack of awareness and training among farmers about these preventive techniques. Intensive training programs, awareness campaigns, field demonstrations, and financial aid from the government and private sector can help make these technologies more accessible.
Coordinated Efforts Required: Effective PBW management requires coordinated efforts among states. Poor management in one state can potentially destroy crops in neighboring states as the pest can travel through the air.
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