Pink Bollworm: A Major Threat to Cotton Cultivation in North India (GS Paper 3, Environment)
Context
- The pink bollworm (PBW) has emerged as a significant pest threatening cotton cultivation in Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
- The reduction in cotton acreage from 16 lakh hectares to 10 lakh hectares in these states underscores the severity of the issue.
About Pink Bollworm (PBW)
- The pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella), known as "gulabi sundhi" among Indian farmers, is a major pest affecting cotton farming.
- The pest's larvae burrow into cotton bolls, causing extensive damage to the lint and rendering it unfit for use.
- Despite the availability of prevention techniques, their adoption has been limited, leading to severe consequences for cotton cultivation.
Physical Description
- Adult Moth: Small, grey moth with thin, fringed wings.
- Larva: Dull white caterpillar with distinct pink banding along its back, growing up to half an inch in length.
Life Cycle
- Egg Laying: Females lay eggs inside cotton bolls.
- Larval Stage: Larvae burrow into cotton bolls, feeding on lint and seeds, causing significant damage.
Damage Mechanism
- Feeding Impact: Larvae chew through the cotton lint to access seeds, disrupting the protective tissue and creating entry points for other pests and fungi.
- Secondary Damage: Damage from larvae can lead to further infestations and diseases.
Challenges in Managing PBW
- Spread and Infestation: Detected in North India during the 2017-18 season, PBW has since spread significantly, with increased frequency of attacks each year.
- Control Measures:
- Curative Measures: Use of insecticides, which are less effective once the pest has infested the crop.
- Preventive Measures: Techniques like pheromone paste application and PBKnot technology, which have seen limited adoption.
Problems with Adoption of Preventive Measures
- Traditional Conservatism: Resistance to adopting new technologies due to high costs and lack of immediate visible benefits.
- Lack of Awareness and Training: Significant gap in farmer awareness and training regarding new preventive techniques.
- Financial Constraints: High costs of preventive measures are prohibitive for many smallholder farmers.
Reasons for Ineffective PBW Management
- Focus on Curative rather than Preventive Measures: Tendency to prioritize insecticide application over preventive measures.
- Inadequate Coordination and Management: Lack of coordination across states and improper management of crop residues contribute to the pest's spread.
Recommendations for Improvement
- Expand Preventive Measures:
- Increase adoption through subsidies, financial support, and awareness campaigns.
- Demonstrate effectiveness through field trials and success stories.
- Combine preventive and curative techniques for comprehensive pest management.
- Enhance Coordination and Support:
- Foster collaboration between states for effective management.
- Strengthen support systems for farmers, including training, financial aid, and technical assistance.
- Improve Residue and Seed Management:
- Implement proper disposal practices for infected crop residues.
- Ensure cotton seeds are free from infestation to reduce new outbreaks.
Conclusion
- Addressing the pink bollworm challenge requires a multifaceted approach that combines preventive and curative measures, enhances farmer education and support, and promotes state-level coordination.
- By tackling these challenges comprehensively, the impact of PBW on cotton cultivation can be mitigated, potentially restoring cotton production in the affected states.
