Image Source: Dhanuka

With pink bollworm infestations posing a growing threat to cotton cultivation in North India, Dhanuka Agritech Ltd., in partnership with the ICAR-Central Institute for Cotton Research (CICR), has launched an intensive three-day farmer awareness campaign. Held across Sri Ganganagar (Rajasthan), Abohar (Punjab), and culminating in Sirsa (Haryana), the program brought together hundreds of farmers, agricultural scientists, and stakeholders to drive home the urgency of pest management and sustainable farming.

Each leg of the campaign featured in-depth technical sessions led by senior scientists from ICAR-CICR, focusing on practical, science-based strategies to manage the pink bollworm menace through integrated pest management (IPM). Alongside pest control, the initiative spotlighted sustainable agronomy and the risks associated with counterfeit agri-inputs.

In his keynote address, Dr. R.G. Agarwal, Chairman Emeritus of Dhanuka Agritech, emphasized the dangers posed by spurious agri-products, urging farmers to rely only on authenticated crop protection solutions to safeguard their yields and incomes. He also underscored the critical need for water conservation, framing it as a shared responsibility that requires urgent attention across the agricultural value chain.

Dr. Rishi Kumar, Principal Scientist and Head (In-Charge) at ICAR-CICR Sirsa, laid out the challenges posed by pink bollworm and detailed how IPM strategies—including crop monitoring, timely interventions, and ecological balance—can help farmers mitigate losses. Dr. S.K. Sain followed with a session on fungal and bacterial diseases, which often compound the damage caused by insect pests, while Dr. Amarpreet Singh delved into improved agronomic practices, including optimal sowing periods, plant spacing, and nutrient management, all of which contribute to healthier, more resilient cotton crops.

Dr. D. Monga, former Principal Scientist and Head of Plant Pathology at ICAR-CICR, presented a broader overview of the cotton scenario in North India and warned of the risks of delayed action. Dr. P.K. Chakrabarty, Chief Scientific Advisor to Dhanuka Agritech and former ADG (Plant Protection) at ICAR, wrapped up the sessions by outlining a roadmap for cotton production in the region. He called for greater cooperation among scientists, industry, and farmers to build a more resilient cotton ecosystem.

The final day of the campaign in Sirsa was marked by the presence of Dr. B.S. Kamboj, Vice Chancellor of Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, who praised the joint effort of ICAR-CICR and Dhanuka Agritech as a powerful example of science outreach in action.

An interactive session rounded off the campaign, offering farmers a platform to voice concerns, share experiences, and seek field-level advice from experts. The dialogue reinforced the value of translating scientific research into practical guidance that reaches the grassroots.

As part of the initiative, Dhanuka Agritech showcased its portfolio of more than 90 crop protection products, specially formulated to target a wide spectrum of pests and diseases. The company also introduced a set of innovative new solutions co-developed with six Japanese partners. These include Decide, a potent insecticide designed for early-stage pink bollworm and sucking pests; Konika, formulated to tackle bacterial and mixed boll rot infections; Vitavax, an advanced seed treatment for early disease protection; and Mycor Super, a biostimulant that enhances plant resilience against both biological and environmental stressors.

These proprietary offerings, available only through Dhanuka, are engineered for high precision and maximum efficacy when used correctly and at the appropriate stage of the crop cycle. In the face of mounting pest threats and changing climate patterns, such integrated campaigns—rooted in collaboration, science, and innovation—are proving critical to securing the future of Indian cotton farming.