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2025 Cotton Crisis: Leafhopper Returns in Punjab & other states

Green Leafhopper Infestation Overview

This year, cotton farmers in Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan are facing serious issues.

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2025 Cotton Crisis: Leafhopper Returns in Punjab & other states

Green Leafhopper Infestation Overview

This year, cotton farmers in Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan are facing serious issues. The green leafhopper, also called hara tela, has returned to farmlands at very high numbers. This pest has not been a major problem for several years. Farmers are now worried about a yield loss of up to 30% in their cotton crops. This alarming situation, impacting the entire cotton-growing belt, is now being referred to as the 2025 Cotton Crisis due to the widespread damage and economic threat it poses.

Why is the Pest Thriving?

The sudden increase in leafhoppers is linked to the recent weather. There has been above-average rainfall, high humidity, and many cloudy days. These conditions have created a perfect breeding ground for the leafhopper. Experts say the warm, wet weather has allowed these pests to thrive.

Farmers’ Experience

Harjinder Singh, a farmer from Sahnewali village in the Mansa district, reported that every one of his 4 acres of cotton is damaged. He expects a loss of 20-25%. He also mentioned that no farmer in his village has escaped the infestation.

“Our village only grows cotton, and this year not a single field is untouched,” Harjinder said. He also noted that officials from the agriculture department have not visited the village to check on the damage.

Other farmers in Sahnewali are equally anxious. Fauja Singh and Kewal Singh reported losses in their cotton fields of 25 acres and 15 acres, respectively. In Chormar village, Manpreet Singh shared similar concerns about his 17-acre cotton crop. He said, “This year, not a single farmer’s field has remained unaffected.”

Wider Impact across Regions

The issue is not limited to Punjab. Jagjeet Singh, a farmer from Chak Hira Singhwali village in Hanumangarh district, Rajasthan, said his 45 bighas of cotton are also under attack. He expressed his worries, saying, “I don’t know how to save my crop.”

Many farmers, including Gurmeet Singh from Singhpura village and Makhan Singh from Mansa, have shared similar stories. The green leafhopper has spread through many villages in the north Indian cotton belt.

Field Surveys and Findings

A recent survey under Project Bandhan by the South Asia Biotechnology Centre (SABC) has confirmed that leafhopper numbers have dramatically increased. They found infestation levels of 12-15 leafhoppers per leaf in areas like Hisar, Fatehabad, and Sirsa in Haryana, as well as Mansa, Bathinda, and Fazilka in Punjab. These numbers are much higher than what is known as the Economic Threshold Level (ETL) and show severe stress on cotton plants.

Dr. Bhagirath Choudhary, the director of SABC, said, “We observed a severe outbreak of green leafhopper in many villages. This pest poses a big threat to cotton crops.” He noted that conditions this year are significantly different. Unlike other years when drought pests like whiteflies and thrips were common, the wet weather allowed the green leafhopper to become dominant.

Understanding Leafhopper Damage

The green leafhopper is a small pest, about 3.5 mm long. It has pale green color and moves quickly. Both the young forms (nymphs) and adult leafhoppers suck sap from cotton leaves and inject toxins. This causes what is known as “hopper burn,” which makes the leaves turn black or brown. When the plants suffer this damage, their growth is stunted, and they can eventually dry out.

Experts emphasize the importance of immediate action. The ICAR-CICR system rates pest damage. Most fields now fall under Grade III or IV, which means severe stress, making prompt interventions necessary to prevent ongoing loss.

Advice for Farmers

Farmers are advised to monitor their fields closely. Here are some key recommendations:

  • Check your fields at least twice a week, especially the underside of leaves.
  • Look for yellowing leaf margins, curling, and small green insects.
  • If you see more than two jassids per leaf or if damage is visible, take action right away.
  • For mild infestations, neem oil or bio-insecticides can be used.
  • For more severe infestations, chemical insecticides like Tolfenpyrad or Flonicamid are suggested.

Farmers should spray in the early morning or late evening to get the best results. It’s also crucial to clear weeds around the fields, as they can attract these pests.

The Road Ahead

Experts are worried that the current outbreak will worsen if not managed quickly. Dr. Dilip Monga, a farmer head of CICR, advised farmers to act in a timely manner. “Farmers must take the advisory seriously,” he said. The situation has not been this dire for over a decade, marking what many now refer to as the 2025 Cotton Crisis, and farmers need to work together to contain the problem.

In summary, the return of the green leafhopper is causing fear and uncertainty among farmers. With the right steps, they can potentially reduce their losses. But it requires cooperation and swift action to ensure the safety of the cotton harvest this season amid the growing 2025 Cotton Crisis.🌾

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Diljit Dosanjh Steps Up to Help Flood-Affected Villages in Punjab

Diljit Dosanjh Supports Flood Victims

On September 2, 2025, Punjab faced severe flooding.

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Diljit Dosanjh Steps Up to Help Flood-Affected Villages in Punjab

On September 2, 2025, Punjab witnessed severe flooding that left many villages devastated. In response, singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh Steps Up to Help Flood-Affected Villages by adopting ten affected areas in Gurdaspur and Amritsar. His initiative aims to provide food, clean water, medical help, and support for rebuilding families’ lives.

Diljit is working closely with local organizations and the state government to ensure proper distribution of supplies. Through his social media, he shared the message “Together, we can rebuild,” encouraging unity and public participation in relief work.

Other celebrities also joined the cause. Sonam Bajwa announced donations to rescue groups, while Sanjay Dutt expressed grief on X and promised assistance. Ammy Virk adopted 200 families, focusing on dignity and hope. Additionally, Himanshi Khurana pledged to help ten families resettle, stressing the importance of unity in recovery.

The floods affected over 2.56 lakh people across 12 districts, displacing thousands. Punjab’s Disaster Management Minister S. Hardeep Singh Mundian reported that 15,688 people have been evacuated, while 129 relief camps shelter over 7,000 victims. Ferozepur alone houses nearly 4,000 camp residents, making it one of the hardest-hit regions.

Despite ongoing challenges, the community continues to come together. Volunteers, local groups, and government bodies are working side by side. These joint efforts highlight the resilience of Punjab and the importance of solidarity during natural disasters.

As flood waters slowly recede, focus is shifting toward rebuilding homes and restoring livelihoods. With collective support from citizens and leaders, Punjab is determined to recover stronger. In this journey of hope, Diljit Dosanjh Steps Up to Help Flood-Affected Villages, inspiring countless others to extend a helping hand.

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Hotel Guest Arrested for Filming Woman Without Permission

Incident at Zirakpur Hotel

Recently, an unusual incident occurred at a hotel in Zirakpur, Punjab.

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Hotel Guest Arrested for Filming Woman Without Permission

Recently, police in Zirakpur registered a case after a Hotel Guest arrested for filming woman without her consent. The victim, a hotel’s social media manager, was recording promotional content when an intoxicated guest began filming her. Staff intervened quickly, but the guest refused to stop, threatened the employees, and claimed police connections.

The situation escalated into a scuffle with hotel security. According to the hotel owner, this guest and his group had previously misbehaved with staff, especially female employees. Concern grew stronger because such behavior is becoming more frequent in urban centers.

The police acted promptly and booked the guest under multiple sections of law, including Section 115(2) for conspiracy, Section 296 for obscene conduct, Section 78(2) for disruption, and Section 66E of the IT Act for violating privacy. This legal response was seen as necessary to ensure public confidence in law enforcement.

Punjab has already been struggling with rising cyber crimes. Authorities emphasize that digital growth, particularly in Mohali, increases risks of privacy violations. Therefore, strict measures are being implemented alongside awareness programs.

Meanwhile, another case involving misuse of the ICACCOPS software was reported in Mohali. This tool, designed to detect child exploitation material online, was allegedly misused. The cyber crime police filed a complaint after Inspector Rohit Heera flagged the issue, stressing the urgency of digital safety.

Officials admit that more work is needed to protect women and children. Although the state is taking stronger steps, rapid technological expansion poses ongoing challenges. Citizens must also stay aware and informed.

Community involvement remains essential. Parents, teachers, and guardians must guide young people about safe online practices. The emphasis on awareness highlights how collective action can prevent exploitation.

These incidents underline the importance of safety, accountability, and respect. Punjab’s growing digital activity makes privacy protection even more critical. Ultimately, the case of a Hotel Guest Arrested for Filming Woman sends a strong message that violations will not be tolerated and that strict enforcement, combined with education, is the way forward.

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Harpal Singh Cheema Sends Help to Flood-Hit Families in Ajnala

Relief Efforts for Ajnala Flood Victims

On Monday, Punjab’s finance minister, Harpal Singh Cheema, took a significant step to help families affected by recent floods.

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Harpal Singh Cheema Sends Help to Flood-Hit Families in Ajnala

On Monday, Punjab’s finance minister Harpal Singh Cheema Sends help to Flood-Hit Families by dispatching five truckloads of relief supplies from outside the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) office in Mohali. This significant step came as Ajnala and nearby areas continued to suffer from the devastating impact of floods. Reports confirmed that these trucks carried urgent essentials for families in distress.

The five vehicles were packed with 1,000 ration kits, 600 packets of drinking water, 400 mosquito nets, 400 mattresses, and 200 folding beds. These items are expected to provide immediate relief for families struggling to survive after losing homes and resources to the heavy rainfall.

Ajnala, part of Amritsar district, has a long and rich history but has also faced repeated natural disasters. The recent floods left its people in urgent need of support. Relief arriving at this critical stage is seen as both timely and life-saving.

Minister Cheema, while addressing the gathering, thanked AAP volunteers and citizens of Punjab for their generous contributions. He stressed that Punjab has always made sacrifices for the nation, and now it is the central government’s duty to stand beside them. His message of solidarity added weight to the relief effort.

Floods across Punjab have been worsened by changing climate patterns. Extreme weather events, including heavy rainfall, are becoming more frequent. Because of this, the state faces higher risks each year, which makes such relief operations even more necessary.

During these emergencies, families often lose basic shelter and food security. Relief supplies, especially ration kits and water, help to meet their immediate needs. Moreover, these actions reflect the commitment of the Punjab government to protect its citizens during crises.

Although the relief measures bring hope, recovery will take much longer. The government and local organizations will continue their collaboration in the coming weeks. Updates about the situation will keep the public informed, while citizens are encouraged to participate by volunteering or donating to ongoing efforts.

In conclusion, the initiative led by Minister Cheema highlights more than just the delivery of material supplies. It represents hope, unity, and resilience. Communities are reminded that by working together, they can rebuild stronger after disasters. Ultimately, Harpal Singh Cheema Sends Help to Flood-Hit Families, reinforcing the promise of support and care during one of Punjab’s toughest challenges.

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