KARACHI:
Pakistan is a major producer of cotton but is facing a significant decline in major varieties of cotton crop production due to multiple challenges. The acreage of cotton crops is shrinking due to the non-profitability of the crop as compared to maize and sugarcane. Other factors contributing to the decline include the biotic stresses of white flies and pink bollworms, abiotic stresses like climate change, heat stresses and extreme rainfalls, poor agricultural practices, and unnecessary use of pesticides.
The high cost of inputs including fertilisers, pesticides and seeds is another concern. There is a lack of early-generation seeds and inadequate research progression for the development of new varieties, which can withstand pests, diseases, and climatic stresses. Research experts suggest that cotton zoning is indispensable to reviving the crop. Such zoning coupled with fixation of minimum indicative or intervention price, timely issuance of subsidies and improved extension services for awareness of farmers are essential for the revival of cotton production.
The Ministry of National Food and Research initiated the “Agriculture Transformation Plan”, which involved amending relevant laws to fast track release of new cotton varieties with novel technologies. The department will also track and trace the quality of certified seeds so that the impact of interventions can translate at the farm level. The government will also weed out inactive companies involved in the cotton seed business and act against the sale of substandard seeds. Farmers have been urged to use pink bollworm ropes to biologically control cotton pests. The government is also exploring avenues for growing cotton in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa where pest pressure is low and cotton yields are reportedly higher. These initiatives can play a crucial role in reviving cotton production, which will not only help the farmers but support many other industries ultimately contributing to the economy.
Rao Awais
Lahore
Published in The Express Tribune, May 9th, 2023.
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