Holidays Cancelled, Senior Officers Asked To Camp At Cotton Belt As Agri Dept Prepares To Fight Pink Bollworm 

Chandigarh: In order to help the farmers in fighting Pink Bollworm attack in cotton belt of the state, Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department has deployed four senior officers in districts of Sri Muktsar Sahib, Bathinda, Fazilka, Mansa and the holidays including Saturday and Sunday for the officers and other staff of Agriculture department posted in these four districts have also been cancelled till end of this month.

Disclosing this here today, Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian said taking cognisance of reports regarding pink bollworm attack on cotton crop in few villages of Bathinda district, he has ordered four senior officers to camp at cotton belt till August 31, 2023, as next 15 days are very crucial for cotton crop. These officers will visit the field to inspect the cotton crop and guide the farmers to prevent this pest attack, besides, monitoring the work of the officials.

Asking the Agriculture department officials to hit the fields to help farmers in this difficult time, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian also directed them to send a status report to the headquarters daily after visiting the fields. Any negligence or laxity in duty will invite strict action as this is a high time to stand by the farmers to save the cotton crop.

Reiterating the commitment of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government to ensure supply of quality insecticides and pesticides to the farmers, the Agriculture Minister directed these officers to visit shops and manufacturing units of pesticides, besides, carrying out regular sampling for quality as well as rates at which pesticides are being sold to the farmers. He categorically said that nobody will be spared who will be found selling spurious pesticides.

He also warned companies and sellers against selling inessential products, by bundling them with pesticides and fertilisers, to the farmers. An appropriate action will be initiated against those found indulged in this malpractice.