August 14, 2007	Tuesday	Rajab 29, 1428

MULTAN, Aug 13: Despite the incidence of cotton leaf-curl virus and mealybug, the crop was progressing well and if timely measures were taken, a sizeable yield could be expected this year.

This was stated at a meeting held here on Monday to review the current cotton situation, pest infestation and the availability of pesticides. It was presided over by federal agriculture and livestock secretary.

The cotton growers said that due to the non-availability of specific pesticides for controlling the mealybug they were facing serious problems. It was observed that pesticide shortage was caused by overuse of these early in the season.

The secretary, Muhammad Ziaul Rehman, said the mealy bug needed to be checked urgently.

He constituted a technical committee with Minfal agricultural development commissioner as its convener and having members from federal and provincial governments to formulate a strategy to overcome the shortage of pesticide required for controlling mealybug. He said private sector should be also involved in the deliberations for devising an action plan, directing the committee to submit its report within a week. — Staff Correspondent