Sportking India Launches ‘San-Vardhan’ To Combat Pink Bollworm

Sportking India, a leading textile company, has partnered with ATGC Biotech, Reviving Green Revolution Cell, and Team Athena Pvt Ltd, to launch a pioneering initiative, ‘San-Vardhan’ (Cotton You Can Trust). This initiative aims to address the severe Pink Bollworm (PBW) infestation affecting cotton crops in Northern India.

Cotton, a vital commercial crop in India, accounts for approximately 23% of global production. Recent PBW attacks have caused significant crop damage, prompting farmers to consider alternative crops and increasing the strain on water resources. In response, the ‘San-Vardhan’ initiative introduces the Controlled Release Enhanced Mating Interruption Technology (CREMIT) developed by ATGC Biotech. This innovative technology employs ‘Insect Family Planning’ to control PBW populations in an environmentally friendly manner, reducing reliance on traditional insecticides and minimizing soil and crop contamination.

The initiative adopts a comprehensive approach, integrating agronomy practices, nutrient management and produce traceability. Currently, the project spans 2,000 acres across three districts of Punjab and Haryana, with over 500 cotton farmers receiving training in Integrated Nutrient Management (INM). The efficacy of the CREMIT technology is supported by research from institutions including Punjab Agricultural University (PAU)-Ludhiana, CICR-Nagpur, JAU-Gujarat, ANGRAU-Guntur and MPCKV-Rahuri.

Munish Avasthi, Managing Director of Sportking India Ltd, emphasized the initiative’s importance, stating, “The decline in cotton production is a significant setback for smallholder farmers, ginners, yarn manufacturers and the entire value chain. PBW poses a serious threat to cotton farming, impacting income and livelihoods. We are proud to support the CSR project ‘San-Vardhan’ with CREMIT technology to tackle the PBW issue and aid North Indian cotton farmers.”

Dr. Baljinder Saini, Executive Director of Reviving Green Revolution Cell, the project’s implementing partner, added, “It’s encouraging to see the textile industry actively supporting cotton farmers. We hope this initiative inspires similar efforts in other cotton-growing regions of Central and South India.”