Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: IE
Context: The Pink Bollworm (PBW) is causing significant damage to cotton fields in northern Rajasthan, Haryana, and Southwestern Punjab, with the infestation being more widespread and serious than before.
- Farmers have been using Bt cotton seeds, which have lost their effectiveness against the PBW.
- The situation has led to a drastic reduction in cotton yields, making it financially unviable for many farmers.
The pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella) is an insect that is a pest in cotton farming. It is native to Asia but has become an invasive species in most cotton-growing countries around the world. It is considered possibly the most destructive pest on cotton worldwide.
