Pink bollworm attack threatens north India's cotton production

According to field reports, heavy rains and excessive moisture from mid-July to mid-August have adversely affected the crop in upper Rajasthan. Waterlogging in cotton-producing districts of Haryana during July and August has contributed to the development of the infestation. It is estimated that around 20-30 per cent of the crop in the affected districts of these states may suffer damage. However, the overall crop loss in north India may be limited to 10-12 per cent of previous estimates. 

Shri Ganganagar region is facing a pink bollworm attack, exacerbated by heavy rains and excessive moisture in the second half of July 2023, according to field reports from upper Rajasthan. The area had previously suffered a dry season due to deficient rainfall. Reports indicate pest attacks in the Shri Ganganagar, Vijaynagar, Rawatsar, and Hanumangarh districts of upper Rajasthan. Trade sources estimate that around 20-25 per cent of the crop has been damaged in these districts due to the infestation. 

In Haryana, the districts of Hisar, Sirsa, Fatehabad, and Bhiwani are grappling with the pest attack. These districts account for 70 per cent of the state's total cotton crop. Trade sources indicated that around 20-30 per cent of the cotton has been adversely affected. Some farmers report that every cotton boll is under attack by the pest. They are facing substantial losses due to the recurrent infestations. 

North Indian cotton-producing states, such as Rajasthan, Haryana, and Punjab, have been facing repeated infestation attacks for the last three years. Last year, Punjab and Haryana experienced the disease, which severely impacted overall cotton production. The quality of the natural fibre also degraded due to the infestation. North India faced a similar problem during the 2021-22 season. Most of the agricultural area in the region is irrigated, so farmers are not dependent on rainfall. However, heavy rains have caused damage to various crops, including cotton. 

Trade sources have said that while there is much concern over the pest attack, they hope the actual damage to the crop will be minimal. Satish Sharma, a trader from north India, told Fibre2Fashion, "Initially, we expected cotton production of 58-60 lakh bales of 170 kg in north India. The recent pest attack may reduce total production to 53-55 lakh bales. Hopefully, the crop won't be damaged to the extent of last year." 

According to the Cotton Association of India, North India's cotton production decreased to 42.25 lakh bales in 2022-23, compared to 50.27 lakh bales in 2021-22. However, trade sources say that production could fall as low as 35-38 lakh bales in the region. Currently, the expected production loss is limited to 5 lakh bales, so estimates for the season now vary between 53-55 lakh bales. 

ALCHEMPro News Desk (KUL)