Cotton Crop Under Whiteflies Attack in Rohtak

DELHI (Commoditiescontrol) - Cotton crop in Rohtak district of Haryana is attacked by whiteflies with the onset of monsoon, raising worries of farmers of the region as the crop may be damaged.

Madan Mohan Singh, Deputy Director, Agriculture Department said, whiteflies attack on cotton began with rainfall in the district and advisory for precautionary measures has been issued by the department.

Farmers are asked not to use synthetic insecticides to control the damage from whiteflies as these drugs are not effective, rather, they help intensifying the spread of whiteflies, said Madan Mohan Singh. The agriculture department’s advisory suggests selected pesticides to be used with some cautions as excessive spraying of pesticides may cause damage to the crop. According to Madan Mohan Singh, improved monsoon has benefited cotton crop as cotton needs rain.

As per the agriculture department data, cotton acreage in Rohtak district is around 14,757 hectares this year, while it was 17,000 hectares last year.

A Rohtak-based trader, Mr. Jitendra Hudda finds cotton crop in good condition these days as rainfall has been proved as boon for the crop. He expects better output this year compared to last year. Mr. Jitendra said, “ There are negligible trading activities in cotton these days and it is expected to begin only in November when new crops arrive.” He is sure of better cotton crop this year.

Mr. Sushil Gupta, Chief, Group Cotton Factory, Meham said, “ Cotton prices are seen volatile these days and trading near Rs 3,750-3,800/maund (37.3kg each).

As far as raw cotton or kapas is concerned, it trades near Rs 4,600/100kg and prices will gain if exports demand recovers, said Mr. Gupta.

Mahaveer, a farmer from Balamba village of Meham block said that his cotton crop is attacked by whiteflies. His crop in one and half acre is under the attack of whiteflies. He also said that rainfall occurred recently has helped the crop. Mahaveer had cultivated 5-6 acres of cotton last year.

(By Commoditiescontrol Bureau; +91-22-40015533)