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HYDERABAD, Jul 23 (APP):Agriculture experts and researchers have emphasized the urgent need for research on new and hybrid cotton varieties, with Sindh Agriculture University (SAU) poised to play a pivotal role in this initiative.
According to a spokesperson of SAU, during the inaugural session of a two-day National Workshop titled “Development of Cotton Varieties through Hybridization Techniques,” hosted by SP&DC in the senate hall of SAU on Tuesday, Dean of the Faculty of Crop Production Dr. Inayatullah Rajper underscored the contribution of the cotton industry to national development.
He highlighted that cotton provides essential raw materials for various sectors, including edible oil and the textile industry, while noting that there was still significant potential for improving seed quality.
Dr. Rajper further explained that due to the current economic situation and the pressing need to supply the industry with a skilled workforce, it was essential for students at Sindh Agriculture University to be registered in specialized groups from their first year. This approach will enable them to develop expertise in value chains across various sectors, including cotton, wheat, horticulture, vegetables, oilseeds and pulses.
The head of plant breeding and genetics at the nuclear institute of agriculture (NIA) Dr. Saifullah Abro highlighted cotton’s significant impact on the national GDP, providing 40% of employment, contributing 2.9% to value addition, and accounting for 60% of foreign exchange earnings. He lauded the ongoing research at NIA and the critical contributions of SAU experts to agricultural advancements.
The Director of the Seed Development and Production Center Dr. Zahoor Ahmed Soomro elaborated on the workshop’s training agenda.
He stated that representatives from SAU, various public sector agricultural institutions and private seed companies would receive comprehensive training on both conventional and non-conventional hybridization techniques for cotton seeds, and practical sessions would also be conducted.
The Chairman of Agronomy department Dr. Aijaz Soomro, Professor Dr. Shabana Memon, Jamil Ahmed Solangi and others also spoke at the event. Additionally, training and practical sessions for trainees were initiated by university experts.