Deputy Commissioner Vishesh Sarangal convened a high-level meeting to initiate a comprehensive weed eradication campaign for cotton in district Moga. The primary objective of this campaign is to eliminate whitefly and mealy bugs, two detrimental weeds affecting cotton crops, and to promote sustainable agriculture practices in the district.
During the meeting, DC Sarangal instructed concerned departments, including Agriculture, Horticulture, and Rural Development, to collaborate and ensure the campaign's success. He emphasized the importance of eradicating these weeds, which pose a significant threat to cotton crops, with the collective efforts of all departments.
The administration aims to bring Moga district into the list of prominent cotton belt districts in the state. Notably, last year, only 72 hectares were under cotton cultivation. To boost this, the Deputy Commissioner has set a target of increasing the area under cotton cultivation to 150 hectares this year.
Currently, 108 villages in the district are already cultivating cotton. However, there is a pressing need to expand cotton cultivation to all villages. DC Sarangal stressed that the depletion of groundwater is a significant concern for future generations, and farmers must adopt crop diversification measures to mitigate this issue.
To achieve this goal, the administration will provide training and support to farmers, as well as incentives for adopting sustainable agriculture practices. The campaign will also focus on creating awareness among farmers about the importance of weed management and the use of integrated pest management techniques.
DC Sarangal urged all stakeholders, including farmers, agricultural experts, and government officials, to work together to make this campaign a success. He emphasized that the administration is committed to promoting sustainable agriculture practices and supporting farmers in the district.
The meeting was attended by senior officials from various departments, including Chief Agriculture Officer Dr Karanjit Singh Gill.