NEW DELHI, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- Cotton-producing districts in the northern Indian state of Punjab are facing threats from the pink bollworm, officials said Monday.
Agriculture minister of Punjab Gurmeet Singh Khudian said authorities have deployed staff of the agriculture department to the Malwa belt, spreading over Punjab's Sri Muktsar Sahib, Bathinda, Fazilka and Mansa districts, which is known for producing high-quality cotton.
Officials said the next 15 days are crucial for the cotton crop in the state.
The pink bollworm is a pest in cotton farming. Reports said in 2021, a severe infestation of pink bollworms on the cotton crop caused a loss of production by nearly 34 percent in the state. ■