Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain underscored the critical role of regenerative agriculture in revitalizing Pakistan’s cotton sector and ensuring long-term sustainability, while addressing the Pakistan Roundtable on Strengthening Pakistan’s Cotton Sector through Regenerative Agriculture, organized by the Pakistan Central Cotton Committee (PCCC) in collaboration with the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA).
Speaking as the Chief Guest, the Federal Minister appreciated the efforts of all stakeholders for convening the timely and purposeful roundtable, which brought together policymakers, industry leaders, development partners, and sector experts to deliberate on sustainable solutions for the agriculture and textile sectors.
The Minister emphasized that cotton remains the backbone of Pakistan’s export-oriented economy and a major source of livelihood for rural communities. However, he noted that climate change, declining soil fertility, water stress, and evolving global market requirements pose serious challenges, necessitating a transition towards sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices.
“Regenerative agriculture is not only essential for restoring soil health and improving productivity, but also for meeting international sustainability standards and maintaining Pakistan’s competitiveness in global markets,” he said.
Rana Tanveer Hussain highlighted that the Government of Pakistan is fully committed to supporting this transition through agricultural reforms, financial assistance, incentives, and targeted subsidies aimed at facilitating farmers and the industry. He informed the participants that close coordination with APTMA is underway to promote sustainability, transparency, and compliance with international benchmarks across the cotton and textile value chain.
The Federal Minister further observed that global markets are increasingly driven by principles of traceability, responsible production, and environmental sustainability. Countries that proactively align their production systems with these requirements, he said, are better positioned to secure market access, attract investment, and strengthen exports.
He stressed that public-private partnerships are vital for achieving meaningful and lasting outcomes. “By working together—government, industry, brands, and farmers—we can safeguard our exports, enhance farmers’ incomes, and protect our natural resources,” he remarked.
Concluding his address, the Minister thanked PCCC, APTMA, and all participants for their valuable contributions and expressed optimism that the discussions held during the roundtable would translate into concrete actions, stronger collaboration, and sustainable results for Pakistan’s cotton sector.
