Early Onset of Pink Bollworm Threatens North India’s Cotton Harvest

The cotton crop in North India faces a significant threat from the pink bollworm (PBW) infestation, with reports indicating a higher intensity of the pest compared to the previous two years. Unlike last year, when PBW was observed towards the end of the season, it has appeared at the start of this season. Bhagirath Chaudhary, the Director of the Jodhpur-based South Asia Biotechnology Centre (SABC), emphasized the severity of this early infestation for farmers. The situation is aggravated despite an increase in cotton cultivation area in the North due to early rains brought by Cyclone Biparjoy.