Govt ramps up cotton revival push

Tanveer chairs high-level meeting to address declining yields, support for farmers

Listen to article

ISLAMABAD:

Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, chaired a high-level meeting in Islamabad on Friday to review and accelerate efforts aimed at boosting cotton yield across the country.

According to an official statement, the meeting brought together senior ministry officials, representatives from provincial agriculture departments, research experts, and stakeholders from cotton-growing regions.

In his opening remarks, the minister said cotton remains vital to Pakistan's agriculture and textile industry. He voiced concern over the recent decline in cotton productivity and called for a coordinated and targeted strategy to tackle structural issues facing the crop. He stressed that improving cotton yield is essential not only for the textile sector's sustainability but also for enhancing rural incomes and farmer livelihoods. The minister highlighted the importance of timely provision of certified seed and pesticides, better pest control, climate-resilient farming, and increased farmer awareness through extension services.

Various proposals were discussed during the meeting to enhance crop management and field practices. It was decided that a comprehensive action plan will be finalised in coordination with provincial governments before the next sowing season.

In his concluding remarks, Hussain said cotton remains a strategic crop for Pakistan and its development requires urgent, collaborative action from all levels of government. He underlined the importance of institutional coordination, efficient resource utilisation, and better market linkages.