The incidence of Cotton Leaf Curl Virus (CLCV) in Punjab remained at 83.10 percent, while last year it was 54.34 percent, which would result in lower production of cotton crop, it is officially stated. These figures are based on the data issued by the Department of Pest Warning And Quality Control of Pesticides Punjab, which revealed that the infestation was at the highest level from the last two years.
According to the official data, the incidence of the CLCV has been grouped into low, medium and high level. According to the survey areas of 8852; 1876 and 384 acres were affected by low, medium and high level of CLCV respectively during the current season 2009-10. On the other hand an area of 7990; 426 and 69 acres were affected by low, medium and high level of the CLCV during the same period of crop season 2008-09.
It may be mentioned that the area under medium and high level category rose to 16.9 and 3.5 percent respectively during current year while it was 5 and 0.8 percent respectively during the same period of last year. The data clearly shown that more area have fallen under medium and high intensity category.
Cotton crop is passing through its later stages of growth and development. Crop is in full swing of its reproductive development. The crop planted during earlier part of the season in the months of March and April is being harvested in some areas.
However, the crop planted during May-June was nearing its maturing stages in the Punjab whereas in Sindh picking is in progress. The farmers were paying full attention to save it from sucking pests.
According to the department of Pest Warning and Quality Control of Pesticides Punjab, the present hotspots of insect pest as on first week of September, the population of whitefly has shown the decreasing trend in most parts of cotton areas. However, due to favourable conditions, it was forecasted that its population may increase in some areas viz, Shujaabad, Bahawalpur, Lodhran, Layyah, Jhang and Arifwala. The presence of muggy weather has caused resurgence of Jassid. The prevalence of favourable weather may increase population in tehsil namely Jhand, Bahawalpur, Rajanpur, Jhania, Bhakar, Sahiwal and Multan. The population of Thrips has shown decreasing trend and may further decrease in the coming weeks. The official data revealed that the population of Mealy bug was under control in all cotton growing areas.
Presently, the local lint prices continue to be very attractive compared to foreign origins. Seed cotton and lint prices in the local markets were as Hyderabad Rs 1700/40kg while last year it was Rs 1910/40kg, Mirpurkhas Rs 1690/40kg while last year it was Rs 1910/40kg, Tando Allah Yar Rs 1710/40kg while last year its price was Rs 1925/40kg.
Similarly, the prices of seed cotton and lint in Sanghar today was Rs 1700/40kg while last year it was Rs 1900/40 kg, Nawabsha Rs 1710/40kg while last year it was Rs 1925/40kg, and the prices for other cities were as under: Sakrand Rs 1700/40kg, Naushero Feroze Rs 1700/40kg, Rahim Yar Khan Rs 1611/40kg, Bahawalpur Rs 1700-1735/40kg, Khanewal Rs 1650-1750/40kg, Mian Channu Rs 1650-1725/40kg, Sahiwal Rs 1700-1760/40kg.
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