Agriculture Dept takes remedial steps to prevent bollworm attack

Following reports of a pink bollworm attack on crops in Patiala, Sangrur and Barnala, the District Agriculture Department initiated remedial measures to prevent potential losses.

The measures included conducting surveys, organising workshops and sensitising farmers to protect against bollworm attacks.

Special teams of examiners led by Agricultural Officer Dr Kulbir Singh, Dr Kuldeep Kaur, Dr Rakesh Kumar, Inderdeep Kaur and sub-inspector Harminder Singh visited wheat crop fields to prevent further attacks.

Agricultural officers said the worm attacked young saplings of wheat and sucked its sap by boring through the stem.

Yellowing of saplings was the first symptom of the attack, they added.

The officers recommended frequent inspections for early identification of bored stems.

They also advised farmers to spray crops with insecticidal formulations.