Experts Call for Urgent Action to Restore Cotton Production in Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: Experts and cotton growers at the First National Cotton Revival Conference, held here in Multan Saturday, expressed deep concern over the decline in cotton production in the country and urged the government to take prompt action to redress the issue and to help restore the cotton industry.
This vital role of cotton in Pakistan was emphasized by most speakers at the conference. Here, they noted that policy reform is important. developing high-yield, climate-resistant seed varieties, better. irrigation systems, among others and an increase in farmers’ support.
Modern technology needs to be involved in the country’s efforts toward boosting the entire value chain regarding cotton production and processing, from trade to export.
Rana Qasim Noon, a Member of the National Assembly, called for urgent action to revive cotton production. He highlighted the need for more funding for research institutions and suggested integrating the Pakistan Central Cotton Committee (PCCC) with the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC).
Member of Punjab Assembly Rana Iqbal Siraj said: Punjab should develop some rules over cotton production regarding its belts – Sugarcane, Rice. production.
National Secretary for Food and Security and research. assured the problem being taken for consideration to rectify. There needs to be collaborative effort involving a myriad number of people interested to make it global competitor through Pakistani. cotton business.
Dr. Eric, an adviser to the International. Cotton Advisory Committee, talked over global efforts to improve cotton production, fight climate change, and support trade policies. He elaborated that the ICAC would support Pakistan with advanced seed varieties and better agricultural practices.
Retired Major General Shahid Nazir, the Director General of Green Pakistan Initiative, urged to have restoration work done on barren land, provision of modern machinery to farmers, and to establish agri-malls to facilitate cotton growers.
Major General Muhammad Ayub Ahsan Bhatti, Director General of the Land Information and Management System, enumerated efficient land management would mean modernizing land record systems and optimizing available resources through LIMS as a significant future productivity differential in cotton.
Allison Ward, CottonConnect CEO addressed the conference remotely. She insisted on sustainable cotton farming and outlined initiatives for small farmer training, water management improvement, organic farming promotion, and increasing women. participation in the cotton sector.
Vice President of the Pakistan Central Cotton Committee, Dr. Yousaf Zafar, emphasized that revival of the cotton industry was not possible unless a collective effort was made in this regard. He called for more research, innovation, and technology to tackle the challenges posed by climate change and water scarcity.
The conference concluded by committing to form a platform, under the leadership of PCCC with organizations such as CottonConnect, Primark, BCI, APTMA, and various government departments. The experts agreed that together, they could overcome the challenges facing Pakistan’s cotton industry.
In conclusion, it can be said that the sustainability of Pakistan’s cotton sector depends on modern technology and policy reforms. But it is only through collective action that the country may again hope to revive its cotton production and strengthen its economy.
