The Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Syed Fakhar Imam chaired a meeting with representatives of PCCC, officials of the ministry and cotton experts to discuss the revival of the Pakistan Central Cotton Committee (PCCC).
Problems such as competency of staff, funds, and yields were discussed. Issues of pests and pesticides were also highlighted while keeping the farmers cost of production and sale in consideration.
It was suggested that the use of biotechnology and genetic engineering is necessary using international support. It was further discussed that the revival of cotton can not be done without research.
Mr. Khalid Khokhar, president of the Pakistan Kissan Ittehad pointed out that the cost of production is to be reduced and a minimum support price to be set up. He also suggested that taxes and duty need to be levied on imported cotton to promote local farmers. Furthermore, he suggested that the marketing mechanism needs to be revamped.
Professor Dr. Iqbal Bandesha of Islamic university, Bahawalpur said that the sowing of cotton should not be done before mid May as to avoid monsoon damage.
Syed Fakhar Imam said that cotton is an important crop. 7% of the edible oil in Pakistan is produced by cotton. Moreover, the minister said that 2021 is a make or break year for cotton. A representative of the PCCC said that the cotton is changing, we should change too.
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