Cotton improvement program between Pakistan-China cooperation is underway reported the China Economic Net (CEN). “While Pakistan is still struggling to cope with the problems of insect pests, diseases, fiber quality and yield in the cotton industry, China has already made a significant breakthrough to overcome these problems long ago. It’s beneficial for both sides because the geological proximity and similar weather conditions in some parts of the countries mean more convenience and efficiency in conducting field experiments,”, said Agriculrure scientist Muhammad Shahid Iqbal.
Pakistan has recorded the smallest production rate at $5.5 million bales which used to be million bales.
This calls for concern as the textile and ginning sector has appealed to the government to take action before the losses are irrecoverable. This is where this program will help the country in fixing the cotton yield.
“So the objective of the program I’m working on is to crossbreed a new variety of cotton that may have better performance for yield, quality, and resistance across diverse environments,” Shahid stated.
For textile usage, there are three major types of cotton in a broad sense. They include: Egyptian cotton (G.
barbadense), known as extra-long staple cotton, is highly sensitive to environment and mostly cultivated in Egypt and a few other areas American upland cotton (G hirsutum), making up about 90 percent of the world’s cotton crop, is comprised of relatively shorter fibers and widely used in a variety of consumer products where manufacturers are looking for quality and purity in an all-natural fiber.
“We will continue further evaluation by growing these seeds in different locations of Pakistan and see how it ends.
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Management plays an equally crucial part apart from the variety. To choose the appropriate fertilizer, chemical control, advanced machines play an important role in a good yield. “as a Scientist, I don’t work for myself or a specific interest group, but for our nations as well as humanity in all. So I also hope the results of the experiment can not only bring benefits to the two countries but also the world.
” Says Shahid.
