LAHORE: All stakeholders have collaborated to safeguard the cotton crop, and with the technical assistance of the army, modern chemicals are being utilized through drones and helicopters to combat the whitefly infestation.
A meeting addressing the current cotton situation in the province took place led by Agriculture Secretary Iftikhar Ali Sahoo. The department has deployed specialized teams to shield the cotton crop from harmful insect attacks in southern Punjab.
Furthermore, farmers are receiving technical guidance to facilitate the clean harvesting of cotton, aiming to secure better compensation for well-picked, dry cotton.
During the briefing, the agriculture secretary received information that farmers are currently harvesting cotton throughout the province. Farmers are also receiving education on cotton irrigation, nutrition, and pest management.
In certain areas, particularly in South Punjab, hot and arid weather conditions have led to the observation of whitefly infestations in cotton fields. Upon receiving these reports, the Pakistan Army provided support in deploying advanced chemicals using drones and helicopters to cover an area of 2,500 acres in Jampur and Rajanpur. Farmers are content with the collaboration, as the special teams from Agriculture Extension & Pest Warning are working closely alongside them. This year, cotton production in the entire province has doubled compared to the previous year.
During this event, Mr. Sahoo also instructed all divisional directors to compile data on cotton production records to devise effective strategies for increased cotton production in the coming years, based on accurate estimates.
He emphasized that achieving higher per-acre cotton yields is essential for farmers’ prosperity and the country’s economic stability. Therefore, he urged all officers and staff to view their duties as a national responsibility. Finally, Mr. Sahoo directed officers and staff to ensure the attainment of the cotton production target.
