TOBA TEK SINGH, June 14: The agriculture department has launched survey of the cotton crop to detect mealybug attack. This was stated by EDO (agriculture) Dr Mian Shafiq Muhammad at a seminar held at Chak 341-GB, Nanglan, on Saturday. He said the department had adopted all possible measures to control the pest attack through chemical and non-chemical methods.

Meanwhile, a district task force for anti-fertiliser and pesticide adulteration meeting deputed Agriculture Officer (technical) Qamar Zaman Wahla as liaison officer to send cases in courts against those caught selling adulterated pesticides and fertilisers.

EDO Dr Shafiq informed the officials that a helpline had been set up by the provincial government for the growers to lodge complaint in case they find adulterated fertlisers and pesticides.

The agriculture (extention) department will announce rates of all fertlisers every fortnight, it was decided.