DW BUREAU / Chandigarh

Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian has ordered the Chief Agriculture Officers (CAOs) in the Cotton Belt to submit bi-weekly reports on the progress and condition of the 'White Gold' crop, besides directing the field officials to ensure completion of Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR) fields verification by August 10, 2025 so that an incentive of Rs. 1,500 per acre can be directly transferred into the bank accounts of the eligible farmers.

These directions were issued during a high-level video conference meeting with all CAOs and senior officials of the department, on Wednesday.

The Agriculture Minister also directed CAOs to regularly visit cotton fields to monitor and manage pest attacks, including pink bollworm, whitefly, Jassid, thrips and other insects. He also asked them to inspect paddy fields for the Rice Dwarf Virus and guide the farmers on effective management and control measures to mitigate its impact.

Expressing concern over rainwater-logged fields in Fazilka and Kapurthala districts, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian directed the Agriculture Department officials to conduct regular inspections of the affected fields and collaborate with other departments and district administration to ensure prompt water drainage to mitigate crop damage. He emphasised that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting and supporting the state's farmers for ensuring their welfare and interests are safeguarded in every situation.

Meanwhile, Dr. Basant Garg, Administrative Secretary Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, instructed the field staff to vigilantly monitor fertiliser dealers to prevent hoarding and ensure urea is exclusively used for agricultural purposes, curbing its diversion to industrial sectors.

Director Agriculture Mr. Jaswant Singh apprised S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian that eight pest infestation hotspots in cotton fields had been identified in Fazilka and Bathinda districts. The department officials had advised the farmers in these areas to use PAU-recommended insecticides and pesticides. He assured that the infestation was well under control and below the economic threshold level.

(editor@dailyworld.in)