The Punjab Seed Corporation has made available certified seed of six cotton varieties for the ongoing early sowing campaign as the provincial government pushes to expand acreage this season.
Director Shahid Qadir said growers can purchase SS-32, SS-102, NIAB-878, NIAB-Kiran, NIAB-Sanib and NIAB-545 from PSC sales centres and authorised dealers across the province. The price of certified fuzzy seed has been fixed at Rs3,700 per 10kg bag, while certified delinted seed will be sold at Rs2,500 per 5kg bag.
The Punjab government has set a target of bringing 0.7 million acres under early-sown cotton in the divisions of Multan, Sahiwal, Faisalabad, Sargodha and DG Khan. Cotton cultivation in Bahawalpur division will continue under the traditional sowing window, with plans to develop the region into a dedicated cotton valley.
Early sowing, once discouraged in Punjab due to concerns over pest attacks, has regained traction in recent years amid changing climate conditions. Sajid Mehmood, Head of Technology Transfer at the Central Cotton Research Institute in Multan, said triple-gene varieties are recommended for early sowing and emphasised that sound crop management practices are essential for optimal yields.
He said cotton performs best when daytime temperatures range between 28 and 32 degrees Celsius and nighttime temperatures remain between 16 and 18 degrees Celsius.
Meanwhile, the ginners’ community expects an increase in cotton acreage this year, citing efforts by both Punjab and Sindh governments to promote early sowing. Ihsanul Haq, Chairman of the Cotton Ginners Forum, said cultivation began in Sindh’s coastal districts — including Badin, Thatta, Sanghar, Tando Mohammad Khan, Fazil Rahu and Gharo — during the second week of February and is now underway in Punjab.
He expressed hope that higher acreage and output would help reduce reliance on imported cotton.
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