July 4, 2002	Thursday	Rabi-us-Sani 22,1423

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BAHAWALNAGAR, July 3: At least 19 per cent less cotton was cultivated in Bahawalnagar this year, Dawn learnt on Wednesday.

During the survey, this correspondent learnt that cotton spreading over 290,000 acres was cultivated against the target of 522,000 acres. Last year, around 489,000 acres of cotton was cultivated against the target of 480,000 acres.

Attack of pesticides and low rate of cotton had forced the farmers this year to seek other options, it is learnt. The cultivation of paddy has also started and it is feared that the figures might not even come closer to that of cotton.

Meanwhile, the local agriculture department has expressed concern over less cultivation of cotton.

DACOITIES: Dacoits on Tuesday night plundered cash and drove away with two motorbikes in separate incidents.

Reports said one Muhammad Bashir was on his way back home when two armed men intercepted him, snatched Rs9,000 in cash and drove away with his motorbike.

Irfanul Haq, his brother Ahsan and friend Imran were going to Fort Abbas when three dacoits deprived them of Rs40,000 in cash and motorbike.