New cotton varieties crucial for economic boost, say experts

Agriculture experts are advocating for intensive research on new and hybrid cotton varieties, with the Sindh Agriculture University (SAU) positioned to spearhead this initiative, according to a press statement released on Tuesday.

The call for innovation was made during the inauguration session of a two-day National Workshop titled “Development of Cotton Varieties through Hybridisation Techniques,” hosted by the Seed Development and Production Centre of SAU in the Senate Hall of SAU Tandojam. Dr Inayatullah Rajper, Dean of the Faculty of Crop Production, highlighted the substantial contribution of the cotton industry to national development. He underscored that cotton is a critical raw material for various sectors, including edible oil and textiles, and stressed the need to enhance seed quality.

Given the current economic challenges and the necessity to supply the industry with skilled professionals, Rajper underscored the importance of registering SAU students in specialised groups from their first year. This strategy aims to cultivate expertise in value chains across diverse sectors such as cotton, wheat, horticulture, vegetables, oilseeds, and pulses.

Dr Zahoor Ahmed Soomro, Director of the Seed Development and Production Center, detailed the workshop’s agenda, which includes comprehensive training on both conventional and non-conventional hybridisation techniques for cotton seeds. Participants will engage in theoretical and practical sessions.