Drones to monitor cotton crops
PHOTO: FILE
Punjab Agriculture Secretary Iftikhar Ali Sahu announced that drone technology was being employed to safeguard cotton crops from whitefly infestations. During a field visit to Tehsil Jampur in District Rajanpur on Wednesday, Sahu highlighted the efficiency of drones enabling the widespread application of protective sprays in a short period.
Secretary Sahu emphasised that the utmost attention is being given to cotton surveillance, monitoring and pest cotnrol to achieve optimal production levels. The rise in cotton whitefly attacks, attributed to hot weather and fast growth, prompted this innovative response.
Accompanied by key officials, including Director-General Agriculture Pest Warning Punjab Rana Faqir Ahmed, Consultant Agriculture Extension Dr. Muhammad Anjum Ali and Director Agriculture Extension DG Khan Mehr Abid Hussain, Secretary Sahu underscored the significance of cotton cultivation, which is essential for farmers’ prosperity and the national economy. He also disclosed that cotton was sown on 937,000 acres in Dera Ghazi Khan.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 14th, 2023.