Scientist warns of cotton virus

Various diseases posing threat to agricultural produce.

FAISALABAD:

Cotton leaf curl virus could play havoc with the cotton crop in Pakistan as the virus has already caused damage worth $5 billion since 1992, according to renowned scientist Rob W Briddon.

Speaking at a conference on crops, organised by the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad on Monday, Briddon said the virus emerged in 1967 and entered Pakistan for the first time in 1988 in Multan.

He warned that it was possible for the virus to be transferred to countries through transportation of luggage.

Various viruses that caused losses to cotton crops in Multan have transformed into new viruses that may cause a significant reduction in produce. Another virus of North African origin, Guzeria, had also been reported in Pakistan, he said.

University of Agriculture Vice Chancellor Dr Iqrar stressed the need for developing new techniques and technologies to increase per capita production of the country. “In order to meet agricultural challenges, we must go a long way. Keeping in view the challenges, the university has accelerated efforts in the field of research and education,” said Iqrar.

Ayub Agriculture Research Institute Director General Dr Noorul Islam said the country had made big developments in the field of agriculture. He informed that 60 years ago, the country had only nine flour mills, two sugar mills, 14 ginning mills and two textile mills. It now has 915 flour mills, 82 sugar mills, 2,000 ginning mills and 521 textile mills.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 19^th,  2011.