CPEC boosts cotton research in Pakistan

LAHORE: The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is paving the way for advancements in cotton research and development to strengthen Pakistan’s Central Cotton Committee with modern scientific approaches.

A state-of-the-art biotechnology centre of excellence laboratory is set to be established at the Central Cotton Research Institute (CCRI) to promote innovative cotton research initiatives.This development was discussed during a think tank session held at the Pakistan China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) Secretariat on Friday. The session highlighted that cotton production here is caught in a vicious cycle of low yields and profitability.

PCJCCI President Nazir Hussain noted that the country produced just 5.6 million bales of cotton in the last season, marking the lowest output in 30 years. He explained that reduced profitability in cotton farming has driven farmers to switch to sugarcane cultivation in traditional cotton-growing areas, as it offers better income. However, sugarcane crops deplete water resources and increase humidity, creating conditions that attract pests harmful to cotton plants. Farmers often lack the technology to combat these challenges effectively.

Hussain also mentioned the impact of climate change on the cotton industry, weakening the crop’s strength and staple length. Manual picking methods, he said, introduce impurities, leading to defects in the final product. Despite these issues, Pakistan-China cooperation in cotton research and development is progressing steadily.

Senior Vice President Mansoor Saeed Sheikh of the PCJCCI highlighted the complementary strengths of Chinese and Pakistani cotton. He added that Pakistan’s cotton has excellent heat resistance, while Chinese cotton offers high yield and quality. The two nations are collaborating to create new cotton varieties by combining these traits. Experimental fields in Pakistan are testing the adaptability of Chinese cotton seeds to identify the best-performing varieties for local production.

Vice President Zafar Iqbal shared that Xinjiang Agricultural University in China and the University of Agriculture Faisalabad have been working together on cotton cultivation for several years. These efforts include experimental fields in Faisalabad and plans to introduce mechanical cotton picking in Pakistan.

Iqbal added that Xinjiang, one of China’s largest cotton-producing regions, has achieved 90 per cent mechanisation in cotton harvesting and leads the world in drought-resistant and water-saving technologies such as drip irrigation and mulching. He stressed the importance of transferring these advanced technologies and equipment to Pakistan to help address its current challenges. The collaboration between China and Pakistan in cotton research is expected to significantly enhance cotton production, benefiting both countries through shared expertise and resources.