Agricultural farmers and experts emphasized the importance of research and development (R&D) in facing the challenges facing the cotton sector in Pakistan.
They believe that research and development efforts can help improve cotton production, reduce dependence on imports, and increase exports.
The Punjab Ministry of Agriculture has reported progress in achieving the goal of cotton transplant, which aims to one million acres, expecting this goal within two to three days. However, independent sources indicate that only about 350,000 acres of premature cotton cultivation have been completed, which raised concerns about the accuracy of official numbers.
Slow sowing is attributed to various factors, including water lack, high input costs for seeds and fertilizers, and unexpected weather conditions. Experts have warned that these issues may affect cotton yield in general, which will affect the textile and national economy industry.
In the bond, the cotton was planted about 600,000 acres, and the federal government set a total target of the seed of 5 million acres worldwide, with specific goals of 3.2 million acres for the Punjab, 1.6 million acres for the bond, and 200,000 acres for Baluchistan. The goal of the cotton returns was determined for the 2025-2026 season at 10.5 million Balt, while the country’s textile factories require about 12 million bales annually.
Long basic cotton (ELS), which is necessary for high -quality production, in demand, as the country usually needs a million parats.
According to Nassim Othman, head of the Karachi Forum for the Breeders, the 2024-2025 season witnessed that Punjab and its bond were cultivated 3.4 million acres and 1.6 million acres, respectively. Punjab produced about 2.5 million Palt, while the bond produced 2.7 million Palat.
Othman pointed to challenges such as the quality of the seeds, the lack of new seed varieties, and climate change as factories that hinder production in Punjab. He called for research on climate -resistant seeds to improve the return.
Sind farmers raised concerns about the lack of severe water, which slowed down cotton sowing in the area. The agriculturals urged the government to focus on researching and developing for better seed items and addressing the water issue in the bond to support cotton cultivation.
In addition, there was a campaign against the Vice -Chairman of the Central Cotton Committee in Pakistan (PCCC), Dr. Youssef Zafar, with allegations that it was fueled by the power struggle to lead the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC). According to what was reported, some factions use fabricated accusations to undermine the credibility of Zafar and disrupt his leadership, which have made financial reforms in PCCC.
Under the leadership of Zafar, PCCC has made great steps, such as securing Cess CESS payments by the Pakistani Textile Mills Association (APTMA). These measures aim to enhance PCCC’s financial position and support long -term stability in the cotton sector.
Despite the negative campaign against Zafar, stakeholders realize the importance of his leadership in the progress of the cotton sector in Pakistan.
The government cotton revival campaign was well received, as the Punjab Prime Minister announced the incentive package to support the targets of cotton cultivation and production. Agricultural Secretary of Punjab, Evakhar Ali Saho, stated that more than 3.5 million acres of land in the province will be cultivated with cotton this season.
