MULTAN: The Punjab agriculture department imposed a ban on the cultivation of cotton till April 1.
The step was taken after consultations with cotton scientists and other experts. The ban would be in cotton-growing districts only.
According to Punjab Agriculture Secretary Muhammad Mehmood, the main objective of the ban on early sowing of cotton is to keep the crop safe and secure from the threat of pink bollworm. Early sown cotton serves as a breeding place for pink bollworm. It not only damages production but also affects the quality of the cotton crop.
He warned if any farmer was found cultivating the crop before the recommended time, the government would initiate an action against him under section 144.
