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FAISALABAD, Jan 20 (APP):Director General Pest Warning and Quality Control of Pesticides Dr Aamir Rasool has said that cotton is a backbone of the national economy and Punjab contributes a major share to the country’s total production.
Addressing a meeting on the formulation of Cotton Production Plan 2026 at Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI) Faisalabad on Monday, he said that early-sown cotton plays a vital role in stabilizing the economy and boosting yields by better withstanding climatic extremes and pest pressure.
He said that early sowing significantly reduces the risk of yield losses as the crop shows comparatively stronger resistance to adverse weather and harmful insects.
He noted that early-sown cotton faces a lower incidence of sap-sucking pests, particularly whitefly, which in turn curbs the spread of leaf curl virus.
Dr Aamir Rasool underlined that seed treatment with recommended pesticides prior to sowing is essential, especially for early planting, as it protects the crop from sap-sucking insects for nearly one month and helps ensure healthy early growth.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Scientist Agricultural Research Dr Sajid-ur-Rehman said that triple-gene cotton varieties are recommended for early sowing.
He advised farmers to ensure at the time of purchase that the seed is certified by the Federal Seed Certification and Registration Department and is a pure triple-gene variety, warning that the use of glyphosate on non-triple-gene varieties can damage the crop. He said that triple-gene varieties possess resistance against the herbicide glyphosate.
Director Agricultural Extension Headquarters Lahore Dr Muhammad Iqbal Khan said that under the guidance of the Provincial Minister for Agriculture Punjab and Secretary Agriculture Punjab, comprehensive guidance and technical support would be ensured for cotton growers across the province.
Director Agriculture Extension Faisalabad Division Chaudhry Khalid Mahmood, Prof Dr Nadeem Akbar from University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Director CCRI Multan Sabahat Hussain, Director Agricultural Information Faisalabad Dr Asif Ali were also present in the meeting in addition to the agricultural scientists, university professors and senior officers of the Agriculture Department.
The participants agreed on finalizing the Cotton Production Plan 2026, ensuring its timely publication and effective dissemination to farmers.
They termed agricultural research and the use of modern technology indispensable for national agricultural development and resolved to utilize all available resources to enhance cotton production.
After incorporating necessary amendments covering factors from sowing to harvesting, including suitable climate for improved varieties, seed rate, sowing time, land preparation, planting methods, fertilizer and water management, hoeing, weed control, and protection against pests and diseases, the Cotton Production Plan 2026 was approved.
The final publication would be issued with the cooperation of the Directorate General of Agricultural Information Punjab, Lahore, and disseminated to growers across the province.