Government deputes team to study whitefly impact in Punjab

New Delhi, July 13 (IANS) The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare is sending a team to Punjab to visit areas where cotton crops have been affected by whitefly, an official announcement said here on Wednesday.

A few pockets of Fazilka, Mansa and Bathinda districts are facing whitefly menace.

The ministry has constituted a five-member team under Chairmanship of S.N. Sushil, Plant Protection Advisor of Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine & Storage to visit affected areas within two days.

"After visit, team will make an assessment and will submit the report thereon," the official statement said.

Last season, whitefly pest attack had harmed Bt cotton cultivation in Punjab and parts of Haryana resulting in an estimated 40 per cent dip in output.