Irritants to cotton production highlighted

Lack of pest control, good seeds, irrigation water cited as hindrances

HYDERABAD:

The Sindh Abadgar Board, a farmers' lobbying group, has appreciated the federal ministry of national food security and research for creating a price review committee for the cotton crop.

However, the board is still concerned that certain issues ought to be tackled because they keep cotton, its cultivation and production under threat. At a meeting chaired by Dr Bashir Nizamani at SAB's office in Hyderabad on Monday with office bearers and members of the board in attendance, the farmers observed that thanks to favorable weather conditions and higher rates the cotton production this year has improved from the previous year.

They identified a lack of availability of good seeds, which are resistant to pests and diseases, as a leading problem. Pest control measures like Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and establishing labs for the provision of natural enemies of farm reservoir (NEFR), where beneficial insects and parasites can be raised, were some of the other necessary requirements identified.

"Substantial increase in cotton yields can become possible if pests can be controlled," the SAB underlined. The board demanded that the provincial and federal governments prepare a plan in collaboration with stakeholders to revive cotton production.

The farmers at the meeting complained that the late arrival of water and reduction of Sindh's water share by the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) have created severe shortages in the tail end areas of northern parts of Sindh. Production losses will become inevitable. The SAB pointed out that paddy growing areas in the command area of Kotri Barrage would also be affected due to late sowing of the crop.

"It is very necessary that water is provided in these areas in the month of October so that the late sown paddy can also reach its maturity." The meeting observed that the potential of biotechnology in Pakistan is not being optimally utilised.

They asked policy makers to encourage further research and development in order to produce seeds and other inputs with the help of advanced science methods. Syed Nadeem Shah, Dr Zulfiqar Yousfani, Aslam Mari, Imran Ali Bozdar, Junaid Jarwar, Omar Bhughio, Amir Bahzad, Taj Shah, Syed Murad Shah and other farmers attended the meeting.