BATHINDA, May 6 -- A new high-yielding non-Bt cotton variety, PBD88, introduced this kharif sowing season, could become a game changer at a time when Punjab is facing a challenge in boosting the acreage of the traditional kharif crop.

Developed by Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), the new desi (indigenous) cotton variety is resistant to whitefly, jassid and other diseases, and is less susceptible to pink bollworm attacks.

Experts said that four years of tests and trials have shown the variety has a low-input cost, and cotton derived from indigenous varieties has commercial value in the pharmaceutical industry.

Paramjit Singh, crop breeder at PAU's regional research station (RRS) in Bathinda and lead scientist behind developing PBD8...