Farmers urged to boost early cotton production for higher yields: Agriculture experts stress timely sowing

Islamabad: A meeting aimed at boosting early cotton production in Pakistan was held at the Cotton Research Station Faisalabad on Monday. The session was chaired by Chief Scientist Agriculture (Research), Dr Sajid ur Rahman, and attended by various stakeholders, including researchers and farmers.

According to Sajid ur Rahman, the key objective of the meeting was to encourage farmers to cultivate early cotton in line with the Agriculture Department's ambitious target of covering 10 million acres of land. Sajid highlighted that the per-acre yield of cotton has been on a continuous decline in seasonal sowing, stressing the importance of early planting to help reverse this trend.

Sajid urged farmers to begin sowing cotton by February 15, noting that the sowing period from February 15 to March 31 is critical for ensuring the best possible yields. He recommended farmers use approved cotton varieties, such as Rayaal, Cindal, Raya, and Kinnow, to achieve optimal results. The certified seed varieties can produce yields ranging from 60 to 70 Maunds per acre when properly sowed. He also emphasized that proper soil preparation and seed selection are essential for maximizing productivity.

Sajid gave an in-depth lecture on low-cost production technologies suited for early cotton cultivation and emphasized the significance of using certified seeds for optimal yield.

"To achieve maximum yields of up to 70 Maunds per acre in early sown cotton, it is crucial to use glyphosate-tolerant, three-gene varieties that can yield high results with minimal inputs," Chief Scientist Agriculture stated during the meeting.

Further addressing the challenges facing cotton cultivation, Dr. Rahman stressed the need for modern crop management techniques to combat climatic challenges and pest infestations. He advised farmers to seek guidance from the Agriculture Department regarding the prevention of whitefly attacks, pink bollworm infestations, and other extreme weather conditions.

Dr Sajid also instructed the researchers at the Cotton Research Station to play a pivotal role in the campaign to revitalize Pakistan's cotton industry, boosting economic growth and prosperity for the country's farming communities.

Chief Scientist Agriculture also suggested some new experiments to the researchers of the institute regarding early sown cotton so that precise information must be generated which can benefit the farmers to obtain maximum yield. He also urged researchers to develop Climate-resilient cotton varieties that can thrive in Pakistan's diverse climate conditions. He also discussed some improved irrigation, fertilization, and pest management. Practices which can benefit the farming community.

Farmers urged to boost early cotton production for higher yields: Agriculture experts stress timely sowing

Islamabad: A meeting aimed at boosting early cotton production in Pakistan was held at the Cotton Research Station Faisalabad on Monday. The session was chaired by Chief Scientist Agriculture (Research), Dr Sajid ur Rahman, and attended by various stakeholders, including researchers and farmers.

According to Sajid ur Rahman, the key objective of the meeting was to encourage farmers to cultivate early cotton in line with the Agriculture Department's ambitious target of covering 10 million acres of land. Sajid highlighted that the per-acre yield of cotton has been on a continuous decline in seasonal sowing, stressing the importance of early planting to help reverse this trend.

Sajid urged farmers to begin sowing cotton by February 15, noting that the sowing period from February 15 to March 31 is critical for ensuring the best possible yields. He recommended farmers use approved cotton varieties, such as Rayaal, Cindal, Raya, and Kinnow, to achieve optimal results. The certified seed varieties can produce yields ranging from 60 to 70 Maunds per acre when properly sowed. He also emphasized that proper soil preparation and seed selection are essential for maximizing productivity.

Sajid gave an in-depth lecture on low-cost production technologies suited for early cotton cultivation and emphasized the significance of using certified seeds for optimal yield.

"To achieve maximum yields of up to 70 Maunds per acre in early sown cotton, it is crucial to use glyphosate-tolerant, three-gene varieties that can yield high results with minimal inputs," Chief Scientist Agriculture stated during the meeting.

Further addressing the challenges facing cotton cultivation, Dr. Rahman stressed the need for modern crop management techniques to combat climatic challenges and pest infestations. He advised farmers to seek guidance from the Agriculture Department regarding the prevention of whitefly attacks, pink bollworm infestations, and other extreme weather conditions.

Dr Sajid also instructed the researchers at the Cotton Research Station to play a pivotal role in the campaign to revitalize Pakistan's cotton industry, boosting economic growth and prosperity for the country's farming communities.

Chief Scientist Agriculture also suggested some new experiments to the researchers of the institute regarding early sown cotton so that precise information must be generated which can benefit the farmers to obtain maximum yield. He also urged researchers to develop Climate-resilient cotton varieties that can thrive in Pakistan's diverse climate conditions. He also discussed some improved irrigation, fertilization, and pest management. Practices which can benefit the farming community.

Mir Rauf Rind calls on former Balochistan CM

Quetta: Senior leader of Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Mir Abdul Rauf Rind called on former Balochistan chief minister Mir Jan Muhammad Khan Jamali on Monday.During the meeting, they discussed in detail the current political scenario of Balochistan and regional affairs.They agreed to continue the series of meetings and promote mutual consultations in future.

Mayor Karachi focused to protect city’s parks, recreational areas, playgrounds

Karachi: Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab has reaffirmed his commitment to protecting the city's parks, recreational areas, playgrounds, and public resources.

He stated that these are the people's trust, and their protection is the administration's top priority.

He made these remarks while presiding over a meeting of the Department of Recreation and Safari Park, attended by Municipal Commissioner Afzal Zaidi, Financial Advisor Gulzar Ali Abro, Senior Director Recreation Imran Rajput, and other relevant officials, said a statement on Monday.

The Mayor instructed that all contracts and tenders for recreational projects must be finalized three months before expiration to ensure timely initiation of work.

He emphasized the immediate addition of new animals, including zebras, to Karachi Zoo. Educational tours for school children to the zoo should be arranged to provide them with an opportunity to observe animals and birds closely, he added.

The Mayor Wahab directed the development of various recreational projects on the 132-acre land of Safari Park. He also urged the swift progress of plans to establish a water park and sports complex to enhance citizens' recreational experiences.

Karachi Zoo currently generates Rs 3.756 million monthly from entry fees. Safari Park's annual revenue target is Rs 63.9 million, of which Rs 32.7 million (51%) has already been achieved this fiscal year.

Mayor Wahab highlighted the ongoing development projects at Karachi Zoo and Safari Park, designed to increase public engagement. Coordination with experts in Thailand is also underway for the medical examination of the elephant at Safari Park. Call to Action.

The mayor urged young officers to work with dedication, stating that their performance directly impacts the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation's (KMC) reputation.

"Officers failing to deliver their responsibilities will face strict action. Our focus is on providing better services to citizens and improving KMC's image," he emphasized.

PHA announces historic Horse & Cattle Show 2025

Lahore: In line with the vision of Punjab government, Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) will organize Horse and Cattle Show 2025 in February. The colourful opening ceremony of the event will take place on February 9 at the Fortress Stadium, while the closing ceremony will be held on February 23 at Greater Iqbal Park. According to PHA spokesperson, the event will feature 16 exciting activities, including the opening ceremony, float parade, flower exhibition, tent pegging and mounted archery, Kabaddi match, Rustam-e-Punjab wrestling contest, music and food festival, children's festival, sufi festival, adventure sports event, vintage car show, cyclothon, Punjab Industries and Artisans Expo, Horse and Cattle Show, closing ceremony, and public entertainment events.

These activities will take place at various venues across the city, including Fortress Stadium, Mall Road, Main Boulevard Gulberg, Jillani Park, Lahore Polo Club, Open Air Theatre Bagh-e-Jinnah, Hazoori Bagh, Lahore Fort, Expo Centre, Minar-e-Pakistan, and Abdul Razzaq Stadium in Shahdara. According to PHA DG Lahore, Muhammad Tahir Wattoo, the Horse and Cattle Show 2025 will be historic and will offer citizens exceptional opportunities for entertainment and leisure. He further emphasized that PHA was working with comprehensive planning to ensure the success of this grand event.

Balochistan govt taking efforts for Gwadar’s development: CM Bugti

Gwadar: Balochistan Chief Minister, Mir Sarfraz Bugti on Monday said that the incumbent government with the cooperation of tribal elders and the public, serious measures have been taken for the development of Gwadar and other areas of the province to address the issues faced by the people.

The Bugti in a meeting with local leaders and public delegations at the residence of tribal leader Mir Sajad Dashti in Gwadar, expressed the government resolve to address the issues and ensure facilities to the masses. During the meeting, local residents were informed the Chief Minister about their concerns.

The CM assured that the problems faced by the people of Gwadar, especially those related to water, electricity, health, and education, would be resolved on a priority basis.

He emphasized that the Balochistan's coastal areas are vital for the national economy, and the government is taking practical steps for its development.

He highlighted that no project can succeed without the engagement of local people, as the government is giving importance to the advice of local leadership in every development plan.

Tribal leader Mir Sajad Dashti thanked the CM and said that under his leadership, various development projects in Gwadar are underway, and effective strategies are being implemented to resolve the public's problems.

They shared their issues and suggestions with the Chief Minister, who immediately instructed the relevant authorities to take action. The CM praised the cooperation of the tribal leaders and assured that the government is utilizing all available resources to serve the people.