Whitefly attack: Cotton association steps in, adopts 7 villages where crop loss is severe

The ICAL decided to step in during its general meeting held on September 16.

Farmers protest in support of Rs 25,000 per acre compensation for damaged cotton crop.

The Indian Cotton Association Limited (ICAL) has decided to help distressed cotton farmers in the state who have suffered crop damage due to whitefly menace.

On Friday, an indefinite dharna called by eight different farmer associations continued in Bathinda. The farmers are demanding a compensation of Rs 25,000 per acre from the state government.

The ICAL decided to step in during its general meeting held on September 16. The association decided to adopt seven villages of Punjab and Haryana. The adopted villages are: Gheri Bhaghi, Shergarh and Gursar Sianwala in Punjab, and Raurawali, Nirban, Jodhpura and Rattakhera in Haryana.

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“We will compensate the farmers once the survey on crop loss is complete. Our compensation will be irrespective of what the Government gives the farmers,” said Jatinder Singh, secretary, ICAL. “In the adopted villages, crop loss, in many cases, was 100 per cent.”

Bhola Singh, director of ICAL, however, wanted the state government to help farmers before the situation turns dire.

Cotton crops in the state have suffered from the whitefly menace and cotton leaves curl virus (CLCV) this season. Overall, the industry may profit from the increased demand in the US and if central India receives some rain, it could help increase national yield, the members said. “But the domestic demand is still dull and this needs to be looked into,” said Rakesh Rathi, a trader.

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