The control of cotton pests in Egypt

Cotton dominates field crop production in Egypt and represents, in both raw cotton fibre and manufactured goods, more than 60% of all Egyptian exports. To protect the crop against insect pests cost, in 1978, more than US$60 million, half of which was borne by the Government. Since 1972 the agricultural co-operatives in the villages have become the sole agents for pesticides which are used under the supervision of agricultural officers according to a national programme.