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LAHORE, Oct 29 (APP):The Punjab University’s Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB) has achieved another milestone with the approval of its newly developed cotton variety, CEMB-AAS3, for commercialisation.
The breakthrough marks a major advancement in Pakistan’s cotton breeding efforts, aimed at increasing production, improving fiber quality, and strengthening the agricultural economy.
The CEMB-AAS3 variety was approved by the National Biosafety Committee (NBC) of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MoCC&EC) during its 35th meeting, chaired by the Secretary of MoCC&EC, who also serves as Chairman of the Committee, said a press release issued here on Wednesday.
The meeting was attended by the Director General of the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency along with senior officials and technical experts.
Principal Breeder of the project Dr Allah Bakhsh said the approval represents a significant achievement in the cotton sector due to the variety’s unique agronomic traits. He said CEMB-AAS3 would help farmers reduce pesticide usage, increase yields, and improve crop management.
Co-Breeder Dr Abdul Munim Farooq expressed optimism that the variety would positively impact both farmers and the broader agricultural sector, while Principal Investigator Prof Dr Abdul Qayyum Rao said that the success of CEMB-AAS3 demonstrates the power of biotechnology in addressing agricultural challenges.
Director CEMB Prof Dr Moazur Rahman said the new variety is expected to make a substantial contribution to national cotton production and the livelihoods of farming communities. He congratulated the breeders and faculty involved in the cotton breeding programme and reaffirmed CEMB’s commitment to tackling challenges in agriculture and health through modern molecular tools.
Punjab University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Ali congratulated the CEMB team on the achievement, commending their dedication and expertise in advancing agricultural innovation. He said the development of CEMB-AAS3 highlights the critical role of CEMB in strengthening cotton research and development in Pakistan, expressing confidence that the new variety would play a key role in boosting the national economy.
It is pertinent to mention that the Punjab Seed Council has also recommended CEMB-AAS3 for general cultivation in Punjab. The variety incorporates three key genes (cry1Ac + Cry2A and GTG), two conferring resistance against cotton bollworms and one for glyphosate-based weed management. It also exhibits tolerance to Cotton Leaf Curl Virus (CLCuV) and offers superior fiber quality with higher yields, contributing to reduced pesticide use and greater sustainability.