Revival of Cotton Pest Management Strategies in Pakistan

Abstract

Cotton is an important crop of Pakistan and a major foreign exchange contributor. Cotton yield has faced a significant decline in the past ten years from 12 million bales (2010– 11) to 7.06 million bales (2020–21). Poor pest management, shift in cotton area to other crops, climate variability, early sowing, poor quality Bt cotton seed, traditional methods of spraying and gap between farmers and extension staff have been realized as the possible reasons behind cotton yield reduction despite the introduction of genetically modified varieties. A plan to revive cotton production has been developed to improve pest management. Combination of whitefly control strategy and updating the curriculum of universities in connection with current agricultural issues faced by farming community may provide sustainable cotton production in Pakistan.