States » NorthPosted at: Oct 11 2026 4:06PM


ICAR plans major push to protect North India's cotton crop from pests, climate change

Sirsa, Oct 11 (UNI) With cotton farmers in North India facing growing threats from pest attacks, unpredictable weather and rising cultivation costs, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has proposed a strategy to improve crop yields and protect farmers' incomes through artificial intelligence, pest-resistant seeds and modern farming techniques.
The strategy was discussed at a high-level meeting at the Central Institute for Cotton Research (CICR) Regional Centre in Sirsa, attended by leading scientists, agricultural officials from three northern states and private-sector representatives.
Chairing the meeting, ICAR Deputy Director General (Crop Sciences) Dr D K Yadav stressed that improving cotton productivity required not only better seed varieties but also modern technology, reliable farm inputs and timely scientific guidance.
"Developing new technologies is important, but ensuring that these technologies reach farmers and are effectively used in their fields is equally essential," Yadav said.
He advocated high-yielding, pest-resistant cotton varieties, drip irrigation, farm mechanisation, and artificial intelligence-based crop monitoring to identify emerging problems and enable timely intervention.
Yadav also highlighted ongoing efforts to check the sale of spurious seeds and fertilisers, which can cause financial losses and adversely affect crop productivity.
Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University Vice-Chancellor Dr B R Kamboj called for intensified research into emerging cotton pests and diseases. He stressed closer coordination between scientists and agriculture departments to ensure farmers receive effective solutions before infestations cause serious damage.
ICAR Deputy Director General (Agricultural Extension) Dr Rajbir Singh highlighted central government programmes supporting farmers and emphasised the need to deliver scientific recommendations directly to cotton-growing villages.
CICR Director Dr V N Waghmare outlined measures to increase cotton productivity, reduce cultivation costs and promote mechanisation. He also discussed the institute's latest technologies and the proposed Cotton Productivity Mission 2026–31.
Earlier, CICR Sirsa Head Dr S K Verma presented an assessment of cotton cultivation in North India, highlighting challenges posed by changing weather patterns, pest infestations and other production constraints.
Principal Scientist Dr Rishi Kumar explained major pest and disease threats, their control measures and future research priorities, including stronger disease-resistant varieties and climate-adaptive cultivation practices.
Participants emphasised coordinated action by research institutions, state agriculture departments and industry to provide farmers with better seeds, effective pest control, modern machinery and timely agricultural advice.
The proposed mission aims to increase cotton production, reduce cultivation costs and strengthen farmers' ability to withstand climatic and biological threats.
UNI KK RSA
Tags: #ICAR plans major push to protect North India's cotton crop from pests# climate change
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