Pest attack lowers cotton yield in Maharashtra

Cotton farmers in Maharashtra are set to lose nearly 13 per cent of their output this year due to pink bollworm attacks on the standing crop in major production regions of the state.

The textiles ministry estimates a 13 per cent decline in the average cotton yield in Maharashtra with major crop losses in Yavatmal and Jalgaon districts.  Sources said around a third of Maharashtra’s cotton area were under attack by pink bollworm.

Cotton farmers have voiced their concern over crop losses and have dragged seed companies to court seeking damages. 

According to the Cotton Advisory Board, the cotton yield