Archive · 1 Aug 2025
Green Leafhoppers Threaten North Indian Cotton Crops
Imagine tiny green bugs, called leafhoppers, have come back to eat cotton plants after being gone for a while.
Because it's been rainy and humid, these bugs are thriving and damaging the plants.
Farmers are worried because the plants are getting sick, and they might lose a lot of their cotton.
Experts say farmers should watch their plants closely and spray special bug-killing stuff if they see the bugs to try and save their crops.
The bugs are causing leaves to turn yellow and curl, which means the plants can't grow as well.
Green leafhoppers, also known as Indian cotton jassids, have returned to cotton fields in north India after several years.
Experts attribute the surge in the leafhopper population to above-average rainfall, humidity, and cloud cover.
Farmers in Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan have reported widespread infestation, with some anticipating up to 30% yield loss.
Field surveys confirmed infestation levels exceeding the Economic Threshold Level, with visible leaf damage.
Experts advise farmers to monitor fields regularly and use recommended insecticides to manage the infestation.
- Who
- Farmers and cotton crops are affected by the leafhoppers.
- What
- Green leafhoppers are causing significant damage to cotton crops.
- When
- The infestation is occurring in the current growing season.
- Where
- Cotton fields across Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan in north India.
- Why
- Favorable weather conditions, including rainfall and humidity, have created an environment for the leafhoppers to thrive.
Farmer Concerns
Expert View
Yield Loss
Farmer Concerns
Farmers are facing potential yield losses of up to 30% due to the leafhopper infestation.
Expert View
Experts predict yield losses up to 30% if the issue is not taken care of.
- Pest Name
- Green Leafhopper (Indian Cotton Jassid)
- Affected Crops
- Cotton
- Affected Regions
- Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan
- Potential Yield Loss
- Up to 30%
- Economic Threshold Level
- Breached in most fields
- Insecticide Recommendations
- Tolfenpyrad, Fenpyroximate, Flonicamid, Dinotefuran, Thiamethoxam