US scientists are not very hopeful about total eradication of the Cotton Leaf Curl Virus in Pakistan. However, they are optimistic about controlling the menace by developing a virus-resistant crop to mitigate huge losses. Pakistan’s cotton production may double once the virus is controlled. The disease can cause major losses to Pakistan’s cotton industry threatening both economic stability and food security. The US is working with Pakistan to develop crop management techniques that will mitigate the effects of this devastating disease, especially as it affects small farmers. The project is focusing on capacity building, investment in infrastructure including green houses and breeding houses for extra generation.

The virus keeps mutating and needs continuous monitoring. It’s possible to check it by rotating two crops including wheat and cotton. Quality seeds based on germination and purity can make a difference by increasing cotton production and building up resistance. Management practices also go a long way.

Co-ordinated efforts are needed to combat the virus and develop disease-resistant cotton varieties that can save millions of cotton bales from falling prey to the virus every year. Cotton production in Pakistan can be maximised by rotating different crops, using the best pesticides and adopting different methods of cultivating and picking the crops.