MULTAN, Oct 13 (APP):Pakistan Central Cotton Committee (PCCC) Chief Executive Officer Dr. Khadim Hussain on Tuesday visited the Central Cotton Research Institute (CCRI) to evaluate ongoing research initiatives, advanced breeding programs, and modern production technologies aimed at reviving the country’s cotton sector.
According to a spokesperson, during his visit, Dr. Hussain inspected field trials across multiple departments, including Plant Breeding and Genetics, Agronomy, Plant Physiology and Chemistry, Cytogenetics, and Entomology. He closely reviewed advanced breeding materials, climate-resilient crop development, heat-tolerance experiments, and varietal screening procedures.
At the Agronomy Department, the PCCC chief examined trials focused on optimal sowing times and key production factors. In the Entomology Department, he assessed ongoing studies regarding pest monitoring and management strategies designed to mitigate crop damage. He also inspected the National Cotton Variety Trials (NCVT), which evaluate various strains to identify those best adapted to local agro-climatic conditions.
Additionally, Dr. Hussain visited the SIS Department in Lahore, where he commended the staff for their performance and distributed certificates of appreciation, encouraging them to sustain their efforts toward agricultural revitalization.
Emphasizing the importance of scientific advancement, Dr. Hussain stated that research conducted at CCRI is crucial for engineering superior seed varieties, formulating climate-adaptive production strategies, and modernizing agronomic practices.
“Transferring research findings effectively to growers is imperative,” Dr. Hussain said. He noted that a combination of improved seed varieties, timely sowing, optimal plant populations, balanced nutrition, efficient irrigation, and integrated pest management can significantly elevate crop yields, enhance fiber quality, and boost farm incomes.
Highlighting official patronage, the CEO observed that the government is prioritizing agricultural research, higher per-acre yields, and the adoption of modern farming techniques to rejuvenate the cotton economy and ensure a steady, high-quality supply of raw materials for the domestic textile industry.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
