India: Punjab's cotton acreage declines drastically; revival plan targets kharif 2026
Punjab's cotton-growing area has fallen from over 7 lakh ha in the 1980s to ~1.19 lakh ha, prompting a revival push targeting 1.26 lakh ha for kharif 2026. Persistent pest attacks, including pink bollworm and whitefly, and erratic weather remain key concerns, with focus on Bt seeds, irrigation, and better agronomy.