A team led by Dr. GS Buttar, Director Extension Education from Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana visited the cotton fields of Muktsar and Fazilka districts to assess the incidence of Pink bollworm in cotton. Scientists from RRS, Abohar and FASC, Abohar and KVK, Muktsar accompanied him. Team visited various villages and interacted with farmers in their fields.
Dr. Buttar advised the farmers to remain vigilant at this stage as the scientists surveying the fields regularly has reported incidence of Pink bollworm in cotton, which at some places is above Economic threshold level. He stressed that farmers should adopt strict schedule of spraying recommended pesticides at 7 days interval.
While interacting with farmers, Dr. Gurmail Singh, Entomologist, guided the farmers on the use of recommended pesticides as per the stage of the crop. Dr. Manpreet Singh, Sr. Agronomist, advised the farmers to irrigate the crops, wherever required. Keeping in view that the crop is having bumper flowering and fruit load, farmers were encouraged to go for foliar nutrition spray of Potassium nitrate and Magnesium sulphate at regular intervals.
To support the farmers further, Dr. Karmjit Sharma, Deputy Director (Trg.), and Dr. Jagdish Arora, DES (PP), emphasized the importance of maintaining a connection with the scientific community. They encouraged farmers to seek guidance from the Scientists of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Farm Advisory Service Centre, or Regional Research Station in their respective areas. By doing so, farmers can stay updated on the latest practices and receive the necessary guidance to effectively combat the Pink bollworm issue.
The visit highlighted the need for farmers to remain proactive in combating the Pink bollworm infestation in their cotton fields. By following the advice of agricultural experts and staying connected with the scientific community, farmers can take the necessary steps to protect their crops and ensure a successful harvest.
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