Pink bollworm likely to hit sowing of the cotton crop in Gujarat

According to state government sources in Gujarat, cotton sowing was only 9,339 hectares or 0.37% of the normal three-year average sowing in the first week of this month

Fear of infestation by the pink bollworm may hit sowing of the cotton crop in Gujarat. Another impediment that could come in the way is the acute scarcity of water.

According to a trade official, even in Maharashtra and central Indian states like Rajasthan, the situation could be similar to Gujarat. 

Their major worry is the monsoon, which got delayed after its initial arrival, especially in Maharashtra.  The pink bollworm had damaged crops in many parts of the country in the last two years and even BT cotton crop was not complete safe from the pest. “After a humble start, if the