Pink Bollworm infestation in cotton: Madhya Pradesh

29 November 2021, Khandwa: Dr. Satish Parsai, Agricultural College, Khandwa informed that a horrific outbreak of Pink Bollworm is visible on cotton similar to last years infestation rate in the key cotton districts of Madhya Pradesh. Dr. Parsai and his team surveyed the cotton fields for pest infestation in Khandwa, Khargone, Barwani and Burhanpur districts. Insect infestation from thirty five to ninety percent was observed during the visit, with an average of fifty-five percent damage. This is the third consecutive year of serious damage caused by Pink Bollworm in Madhya Pradesh.

A farmer from Manawar contacted Agriculture Minister of the state, Kamal Patel and highlighted the seriousness of the problem. Dr. Parsai has advised that keeping in view the seriousness of the problem, special awareness campaign is needed in all the nine cotton producing districts of the state namely Khandwa, Khargone, Barwani, Burhanpur, Ratlam, Dhar, Jhabua, Alirajpur and Chhindwara districts.