All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) has partnered with the Punjab Government to launch a comprehensive campaign aimed at reviving cotton production through a range of strategies, according to a press release issued by APTMA.
It has taken immediate action to support emergency spray operations in collaboration with the Government of Punjab. The APTMA funds have been allocated for the distribution and application of MATOI, an exceptionally effective pesticide specifically designed to combat whiteflies.
The collaborative efforts included the announcement of a minimum support price, extensive sowing awareness campaigns, advisory services to cotton growers through APTMA experts, and ensuring the availability of high-quality seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides.
These combined Initiatives led to a remarkable 23 percent increase in cotton sowing, rising from 5.12 million acres to 6.6 million acres. The projected cotton production for this season now stands barring any emergency adverse situation at an extraordinary 12 million bales.
The recent severe whitefly infestation in the core cotton-producing areas has threatened to undermine these achievements and cause substantial losses in cotton production. The white infestation has led to the blackening of cotton crops, leaving local farmers in dire straits. APTMA has provided funds for the distribution and application of MATOL, an exceptionally effective pesticide specifically designed to combat whiteflies.
Currently, the distribution of pesticides has been carried out in the following districts, along with the respective quantities: Rajanpur – 2,500 units, D.G. Khan – 1,100 units, Muzaffargarh – 1,400 units, Bahawalnagar – 3,000 units, Rahim Yar Khan – 2,000 units, Sahawalpur – 2,000 units, and Multan – 500 units. These allocations have been meticulously calculated to ensure that the affected areas receive the necessary support to effectively combat the whitefly infestation.
To expedite the spray operations, drones have been deployed on an emergency basis by the Pakistan Army, under the supervision of the Punjab Agriculture Department and APTMA experts.
APTMA provides MATOL an exceptionally effective pesticide to combat whiteflies in Punjab
