Whitefly menace in Punjab: Agri dept to survey crop damage from today

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A central team that had earlier visited the affected areas, termed the attack to be at the economic threshold level (ETL) — a term used to describe a severe attack that requires urgent action to prevent large scale losses. The team had recommended farmers spray insecticides to repel the attack. Farmers however claim that the sprays subsidised by the government were of no use and have started to demand compensation.

“As per rough reports, nearly 300 hectares are under severe attack. Water logging is a major contributing reason especially in Fazilka district,” Dr Sidhu said.

Meanwhile CLP leader Sunil Jakhar said,”Cotton farmers have suffered huge losses and they must be compensated for the same. I will be sitting on a dharna along with farmers from entire Malwa region to demand special girdwaris so as to assess the damage and then seek compensation for the crop loss.”

He added,”At the same time, there should be an inquiry into why the insecticides for spray on which the government provided 50% subsidy were completely ineffective in controlling the pest.”