Sargodha: Early sowing of cotton can help increase production and reduce crop losses caused by weather conditions and pest attacks, Director Agriculture Extension Sargodha Muhammad Ashfaq said on Saturday.
Speaking to media during the preparation of the Cotton Production Plan 2026, he said cotton remained a vital crop for Pakistan’s economy, with Punjab contributing a major share to national production.
He said early-sown cotton developed better resistance against climatic challenges and harmful insects, while also reducing attacks by sap-sucking pests, particularly whitefly, which was a major cause of leaf curl virus.
Muhammad Ashfaq stressed that farmers should treat seeds with recommended pesticides before sowing to protect crops during the initial growth stage.
He advised growers to use certified triple-gene cotton varieties for early sowing and ensure that seeds were approved by the Federal Seed Certification and Registration Department.
The director warned that the use of glyphosate on non-triple-gene varieties could damage crops, while triple-gene varieties offered resistance against the herbicide.
He said the Agriculture Department would provide technical guidance and support to cotton growers across Punjab under the direction of the provincial agriculture minister and secretary.
Muhammad Ashfaq said the adoption of modern farming techniques and agricultural research was essential for increasing cotton production and strengthening the national economy.