Imported cotton seed to get 12-month approval

The meeting reviewed the persistent decline in cotton cultivation, particularly in Punjab, where falling yields, rising production costs and declining profitability have pushed farmers towards sugarcane, maize and other competing crops.

Cotton Leaf Curl Virus, pest infestations, climate variability, poor-quality seed and inadequate mechanisation were identified as major constraints.A three-pronged strategy was considered, focusing on strengthening locally developed cotton seed, facilitating imports of improved seed and introducing the fast-track mechanism.A three-member committee comprising the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), National Seed Development and Regulatory Authority (NSDRA) and Pakistan Central Cotton Committee (PCCC), led by PARC, will be constituted to facilitate acquisition….

China has submitted its technical dossier, with additional information requested.

Engagement with Türkiye, Syria, Kenya, the United States, Mexico, Kyrgyzstan and Australia remains dependent on their responses.On crop zoning, NSDRA was directed to expedite processing of promising varieties and ensure basic seed availability, with varieties approved on performance in specific agro-climatic regions rather than uniform national criteria. This material may….

Imported cotton seed to get 12-month approval Updated 4 minutes ago Fast-track path replaces seven-year process as Punjab farmers shift to sugarcane and maize.