Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain. Photo: File
ISLAMABAD:
The government is considering reducing the approval process for imported cotton seeds from nearly seven years to 12 to 18 months as part of a broader effort to revive cotton production, improve yields and make cultivation more profitable for farmers.
The proposal came under discussion at a high-level meeting chaired by Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain, which brought together representatives of federal and provincial institutions, the textile industry, cotton ginners and private seed companies.
The participants reviewed the decline in cotton production and explored a comprehensive strategy to revive the sector.
The meeting also decided to form a three-member committee to facilitate the acquisition of modern genetic material for cotton.
Rana Tanveer stressed that unnecessary delays in approving new cotton varieties must be eliminated, saying that increasing production and improving farmers’ profitability were among the government’s key priorities.
The minister emphasised that access to quality seeds, modern technology and reduced production costs were necessary to revive the cotton sector.
He said new varieties capable of withstanding climate change would have to be introduced to improve yields.
