Sustainable Cotton Growth Hinges On Quality Seed, Modern Technology: AARI Scientist
FAISALABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Sep, 2026) Chief Scientist Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI) Dr Sajid-ur-Rehman said that sustainable growth in Pakistan’s cotton production cannot be achieved merely by expanding the cultivated area. Rather, quality seed, improved varieties, modern production technology, timely agricultural guidance, and effective transfer of research findings to farmers are essential to reach this target.
He was speaking at the "Cotton Travelling Seminar 2026" organized by National Seed Development and Regulatory Authority (NSDRA), taking place from September 15 to 21 across major cotton-producing areas of the country. The event aims to strengthen coordination among research institutions, agriculture departments, seed sector stakeholders, scientists, experts, and farmers.
Dr Sajid-ur-Rehman emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between research and regulatory institutions to introduce cotton varieties and technologies suited to local climatic conditions, pest and disease pressures, and farmers’ practical needs. He noted that National Coordinated Varietal Trials (NCVT) enable researchers to assess cotton variety performance under diverse agro-climatic conditions, while travelling seminars bridge the gap between research and field-level farming.
He appreciated NSDRA’s initiative to host the seminar in various regions, describing it as a timely effort to bring all stakeholders of the cotton sector together. Under this program, important trial sites have been established in Faisalabad, Sahiwal, Khanewal, Multan and Khanpur in Punjab, Khuzdar in Balochistan, and Sakrand and Tandojam in Sindh. These trials aim to scientifically evaluate new and promising cotton varieties and generate data to assist in selecting varieties suitable for different regions.
NSDRA Member Dr Qamar Shakeel stated that an efficient seed system is crucial for enhancing agricultural productivity and farmers’ incomes. He stressed the importance of continuous coordination among regulatory bodies, research centers, the seed sector, universities, agriculture departments, and farmers for effective implementation of the national seed policy. NSDRA seeks to develop an integrated system covering the identification and scientific evaluation of promising varieties, quality seed availability, and the dissemination of accurate information to farmers.
Data generated through NCVT-2026 trials will provide a stronger scientific basis for future varietal recommendations, enabling farmers to select varieties tailored to their local conditions. The seminar also facilitates direct assessment of crop performance, seed quality, pest and disease challenges, and practical problems faced by growers while promoting the exchange of field experiences.