Condition of cotton crop satisfactory:Agri Secy

PunjabAgricultureSecretary Iftikhar Ali Sahoo said onSundaythatPunjab governmenthad fulfilled its promise to give better rates tocottongrowers.

He said this while presiding over a meeting organized to monitor the current situation ofcottonat Civil Secretariat here.

The stability of thecottonmarketwould make the farmers prosperous and put positive impact on the next crop, he added.

He further said that the condition ofcottonacross the province was satisfactory and priority measures were being taken for better care of thecottoncrop.

Pesticides were being sprayed in reported hotspot areas to control pest/ insect infestation.

It was told in the meeting that harvesting phase of the early sown crop was going on. In some areas, theattackof white fly and pink bollworm had been observed, but it was below the economic limit of damage.

SecretaryAgriculturewas told thatSahiwalandBahawalpurdivisions were facing canal closures due to high level floods.

But till now, thecottoncrop was safe.

Iftikhar Ali Sahoo directed to make necessary safety arrangements forallthe crops, includingcottonin the flood-affected areas.

In this regard, liaison should be maintained with the Irrigation department and thefloodsituation should be monitored, he added.

He further said that technical guidance should be given to the farmers for clean picking ofcottonand to achieve thecottonproduction target, the next two weeks were very important. Monitoring of the arrival ofcottonin the ginning factories should be continued so that with the help of data, effective strategies could be set for the next crop, he maintained.

He said, "Thecottoncampaign has been going on for the past 4 months and we will be able to achieve the goal with dedication and work."