Lahore, March 28, 2022 (PPI-OT):Cotton crop is of paramount importance for the stability of the country’s economy. Now, DNA fingerprinting and breeder rights are mandatory for the approval of new varieties to provide quality agricultural inputs to cotton growers and in order to stop the sale of substandard seeds. Present Government is also providing millions of rupees subsidy on approved varieties of cotton seeds and other agricultural inputs to the farmers to ensure revival of cotton crop this year.
These views were expressed by Provincial Minister for Agriculture Syed Hussain Jahania Gardezi while addressing a seminar organized by Center of Excellence in Molecular Biology, Punjab University Lahore. Minister for Agriculture Hussain Jahanian Gardezi while congratulating the Center of Excellence in Molecular Biology, Punjab University, and Lahore on the discovery of 6 new varieties of cotton said that the services of this institute are very important for the promotion of cotton.
He said that agricultural scientists should discover new varieties of cotton keeping in view the climate change. He further stressed on the importance of using cotton varieties approved by the Department of Agriculture, Punjab for the cultivation of cotton and the role of the academia and industry working together for revival of cotton.
On the occasion, Secretary Agriculture, Punjab Asad Rehman Gilani addressing the seminar said that due to the drought in California this year, cotton is expected to fetch higher prices in international markets. The current year will be a year of prosperity for cotton growers.
Therefore, farmers should cultivate cotton on maximum area. The entire staff of the Agriculture Department from sowing to picking will be with them. On this occasion, Secretary Agriculture Punjab also congratulated the agricultural scientists on the discovery of new varieties of cotton.
A large number of agricultural scientists and farmers including Secretary Agriculture, Punjab Asad Rehman Gillani, and Director Center of Excellence in Molecular Biology Dr. Ahmad Ali Shahid participated in the seminar. Progressive farmers from Sindh and Punjab also expressed their views in the seminar. In the end the Agriculture Minister also distributed honorary shields.
For more information, contact:
Directorate General Public Relations,
Government of the Punjab
Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-9201390-86
Website: www.punjab.gov.pk