Timely early cotton sowing, field monitoring vital for achieving targets: DG Pest Warning

FAISALABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 2nd Mar, 2026) Director General Pest Warning Dr. Amer Rasool stressed the need for timely early cotton sowing, effective field monitoring and proactive pest management and said that it is imperative to achieve production targets and strengthen agricultural economy.

He chaired a meeting and reviewed progress of early cotton cultivation in addition to assess ongoing field monitoring activities across the region. Director Agriculture Extension Faisalabad Chaudhry Khalid Mehmood, Director Pest Warning Toba Tek Singh Saleem Gill and other senior officers of Agriculture Department were also present on the occasion.

Addressing the participants, Dr. Amer Rasool underscored that early cotton sowing plays a pivotal role in increasing per-acre yield, ensuring better crop health and minimizing pest attacks through timely intervention. He directed the field staff to intensify their monitoring mechanism and maintain close liaison with farmers to ensure protection of crops from emerging threats particularly during initial growth stages.

He reviewed district-wise progress of early cotton sowing, availability of quality seed, fertilizer management and preparedness of field staff for tackling pest infestations.

He emphasized that agricultural graduates and field officers must remain active in the field and provide hands-on technical guidance to the growers.

Consistent monitoring, rapid identification of diseases and immediate response through integrated pest management strategies would significantly reduce crop losses and enhance overall productivity, he added.

He directed all concerned officers to meet the assigned cotton cultivation targets within stipulated timeframe and any negligence in field supervision would not be tolerated.

He urged agriculture officers to work with dedication and ensure timely advisory services at their doorstep of the farmers as cotton production goals are imperative for stabilizing textile industry, boosting exports and strengthening national economy.

The Punjab government is taking practical measures to facilitate farmers by providing modern agricultural technologies, improved seed varieties and technical support through extension services, he added.