BATHINDA, March 24 -- To revive the traditional cotton crop, the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) plans to promote desi or indigenous high-yield varieties as a part of the crop diversification plan.

PAU vice-chancellor Satbir Singh Gosal said that the desi cotton is commercially viable in the medical sector, resistant to the deadly attacks of the whitefly and highly suitable amid the changing climatic patterns.

"PAU recommends three varieties, LD 949, LD 1019 and FDK 124, for sowing. Another variety, PBD 88, has completed the first phase of the trial and is likely to be released in the next kharif season. From this year, agriculture extension teams will sensitise farmers of the semi-arid region about desi cotton, and seeds will be p...