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-arid south Malwa region. To assess the situation, teams from the state agriculture department, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, and its network of krishi vigyan kendras (KVKs) have intensified field visits across southwest Punjab. Scientists and extension officials are surveying fields, monitoring pest populations and advising farmers on preventive measures. Fazilka, which accounts for nearly half of Punjab's cotton area this season with around 40,000 hectares under cultivation, has reported isolated cases of both whitefly and pink bollworm. Chief agriculture officer (CAO) Kulwant Singh said the absence of rainfall during July, coupled with prevailing humidity, has created favourable conditions for whitefly multiplication. "We have observed visible whitefly infestation in a few fields, while pink bollworm has also been detected at isolated locations. However, the infestation has not reached an alarming stage. Our extension teams are educating farmers on timely management practices to prevent its spread," he said. In neighbouring Muktsar district, agriculture authorities have advised growers to begin with eco-friendly control measures. Chief agriculture officer Jagsir Singh said farmers are being encouraged to spray neem-based bio-pesticides, which are effective against whitefly during the initial stage of infestation. "The twin pest attack is only in its early stages. Farmers should continue monitoring their fields and use recommended chemical pesticides only if the infestation crosses the threshold level in the coming fortnight," he said. Bathinda district has also stepped up surveillance in view of the prevailing weather conditions. Agriculture department teams are conducting field inspections twice every week to detect pest outbreaks at an early stage....