Early-sown cotton vital for boosting yields, economic stability:

SARGODHA, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 27th Jul, 2026) Director Agriculture Extension Sargodha Muhammad Ashfaq has said that cotton is a backbone of Pakistan’s national economy, with Punjab contributing a major share to the country’s overall production.

While speaking to the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) during the formulation of the Cotton Production Plan 2026 at his office on Monday, he said early-sown cotton plays a key role in stabilizing the economy and enhancing production by better withstanding climatic challenges and pest attacks.

He said early sowing significantly minimizes the risk of yield losses, as the crop develops comparatively stronger resistance against adverse weather conditions and harmful insects.

The Director Agriculture Extension noted that early-sown cotton faces a lower incidence of sap-sucking pests, particularly whitefly, which helps reduce the spread of leaf curl virus.

He emphasized that seed treatment with recommended pesticides before sowing is essential, especially for early planting, as it protects the crop from sap-sucking insects for nearly one month and supports healthy initial growth.

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He said triple-gene cotton varieties are recommended for early sowing and advised farmers to ensure, at the time of seed purchase, that the seed is certified by the Federal Seed Certification and Registration Department and is a pure triple-gene variety.

He cautioned that the use of glyphosate on non-triple-gene varieties could damage the crop, adding that triple-gene varieties have resistance against the herbicide.

Muhammad Ashfaq said that under the guidance of the Provincial Minister for Agriculture Punjab and Secretary Agriculture Punjab, comprehensive technical guidance and support would be provided to cotton growers across the province.

He termed agricultural research and the adoption of modern technologies essential for national agricultural development and expressed determination to utilize all available resources to enhance cotton production.