BATHINDA, July 11 -- Early signs of whitefly and pink bollworm infestation have been reported from several cotton-growing districts of Punjab, raising concerns among farmers as humid weather and delayed monsoon conditions create a favourable environment for the spread of the two major pests.

Although agriculture experts say the infestation is still below the economic threshold level (ETL), they have advised farmers to closely monitor their fields over the next two weeks, warning that prolonged humid conditions could accelerate the spread if timely control measures are not adopted.

The development comes in a season when cotton cultivation has shrunk to around 80,000 hectares, the lowest-ever acreage for the cash crop in Punjab's semi-ari...