COTTON REVIVAL

PLAN
 COTTON REVIVAL
PLAN
CONCEPT & EDITING
ALI ARSHAD RANA
Additional Secretary (Task Force)
Agricultural Department, Government of The Punjab

CONTRIBUTIONS

DR. SAGHEER AHMED CH. ABDUL HAMID

Director, Cotton Research Institute, Director Agriculture (Extension),
Multan Faisalabad

DR. SHAFQAT SAEED DR. JALAL ARIF

Dean, Faculty of Agriculture Ex-Chairman,
& Environmental Sciences, Department of Entomology,
Muhammad Nawaz Sharif University of Agriculture, University of Agriculture,Faisalabad
Multan.

DR. AMIR RASOOL ISMAT HUSSAIN SHAH

Assistant Professor, Assistant Director Agriculture (PP)
Department of Entomology, Multan
University of Agriculture,Faisalabad

RAO SHAHID AKHTAR MUHAMMAD SARWAR RAHI

Secretary General Member
PCPA Crop Life Pakistan

MAHR MUHAMMAD AKRAM AYESHA AKHTAR

Assistant Director Agriculture Agriculture Ofcer
Task Force Task Force

I
 PREAMBLE

Cotton production in Pakistan is vital for economic development of the country. The
economy of the country is largely dependent on the cotton industry and the related ginning and
textile sector. The country witnessed record cotton production of 15 million bales in 2011-12 but a
steady decline has limited its production to 6/7 million bales per annum in the recent years.

Realizing the gravity of this alarming situation, the Government of the Punjab constituted a
Committee in June, 2019 under the convenorship of the Additional Secretary (Task Force) to find
out the reasons and factors responsible for cotton decline as well as to suggest the way forward for
its revival and restoration of its glory. The committee comprised the Vice Chancellor, University of
Agriculture, Faisalabad, the Vice Chancellor, MNS University of Agriculture, Multan, Director
Generals (Research), (Extension & AR) and (PW & QCP), Director (CRI), Multan, the Director
(CCRI), Multan, the Director (CRS), Multan, the Directors of Agriculture (Extension), Faisalabad,
Sahiwal, Multan, Bahawalpur and DG Khan Divisions, the representatives of Pakistan Crop
Protection Association (PCPA) and Crop Life Pakistan Association (pesticide importers,
formulators and distributors), the representatives of Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA),
the representatives of All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) and progressive growers of
the cotton growing districts of the Punjab.

The possible reasons and factors responsible for cotton decline and way forward for its
restoration have been discussed formally and informally within as well as outside the committee.
All members of the Committee have made valuable contributions in preparation of this report.

The Committee has examined all biotic and abiotic factors affecting the cotton crop. The
data provided by the Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association, Pakistan Central Cotton Committee,
Meteorological Department and the different Wings of the Agriculture Departments, i.e., the Crop
Reporting Services of Punjab, the Agriculture Ext. & A.R., Pest Warning & Quality Control of
Pesticides and Cotton Research Institute, Multan have also been reviewed.

II
 The committee has diagnosed the obsolete GMO technology gap and development of
strategy for its introduction at farmer level, climate change, seed quality, high temperature, water
shortage, insect pest attack, diseases (cotton leaf curl virus and various other diseases), weeds
infestation, low plant population, low efficacy of pesticides, lack of awareness about production
technology, economic constraints, low profitability, seed cotton price,and non-availability of labor,
and as major factors responsible for cotton decline. After detailed and deliberate discussions on all
these factors, the committee proposed solutions to these ills and devised comprehensive short term
and long-term plans for the revival of cottoncrop in Punjab province.
It is hoped that this plan would serve as a basis and reference for all planning meant for
revival of cotton crop in Pakistan in general and in the Punjab in particular. All the measures
suggested by the Committee are tested, authentic and practicable.

I feel indebted and obliged to all members of the committee for their valuable contributions..

Ali Arshad
Additional Secretary (TF)
(Convener)

III
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

01 Cotton Revival Plan I

02 Preamble II

03 Table Of Contents IV

04 Introduction: ............................................................................................ 01

05 Gmo Technology Gap : ........................................................................... 02

06 Climate Change: ...................................................................................... 03

07 Seed Quality: ........................................................................................... 11

08 Insect Pest :.............................................................................................. 13

09 Low Efcacy Of Pesticides: ................................................................... 20

10 Diseases And Weeds: .............................................................................. 27

11 Competing Crops : .................................................................................. 29

12 Price Instability : ..................................................................................... 31

13 Shortage Of Water :.................................................................................. 33

14 Soil Health : ............................................................................................ 35

15 Other Factors And Overall Impact :.........................................................37

16 Recommendation Ns For Revival Of Cotton :.........................................42

17 Strategy For Revival Of Cotton:.............................................................. 57

18 References:............................................................................................... 60

IV
 INTRODUCTION
Cotton crop is the backbone of the economy of Pakistan.Pakistan is the 5 th largest producer
of cotton and 3rd largest consumer and producer of cotton yarn in the world. About 1.3 million out of
5 million farmers cultivate cotton on an area of 6.5 million acres, covering 15% of cultivated area in
the country. Cotton contributed 9% of the GDP in 2004 but has dropped to 0.8% in 2018. Cotton
earned 61.5% offoreign exchange for the country in the year 2006that has fallen to 54% in 2018.
There has been phenomenal growth in cotton productivity of Pakistan till 1991-92. Cotton
production increased from 9.6 million bales in 1990 to 12.8 million bales in 1991-92. The
remarkable growth in cotton production facilitated the emergence of a large and vibrant textile
industry with 400 textile mills, 7 million spindles, 27000 looms in the mill sector, over 25000 looms
in the non-mill sector, 700 knitwear units, 4000 garment units, nearly 1000 ginners and 5000 oil
expellers making cotton industry the most important sector of the economy of Pakistan (ADB
2009).
Cotton is one of the major crops of the Punjab. There has been an increase of seven times in
yield, ten times in production and two and a half
times in area in Punjab since 1947. There had been
an increasing trend of production from 1947 to 1991
(PCC, 2019). This steady growth in cotton
production could not be sustained. After 1991, the
cotton production has been fluctuating in the range
of 6.6 million bales (2019-20) to a record production
of 12 million bales (2011-12). Since 2015, cotton production in the Punjab has been stagnant,
hovering about 7 million bales against the target of 10 million bales (Fig. 1).
In the past, it was used to be termed as White Gold. It has served as a leading foreign
exchange earning factor to run the country. Its revival is need of the hour forthe prosperity of the
country.
After detailed discussion and deliberation of the committee constituted for analytical review of
the declined in cotton production in Punjab, it was unanimously agreed that high cost of production
and low economic return are the major factors for decline in cotton production in Punjab. The
committee further purposed short, medium and long term recommendations for revival of cotton in
Punjab.

1
Fig. 1 Area, Production and Yield of Punjab (1947-2020)

Source: PCGA

2
 1
GMO TECHNOLOGY GAP

Bollgard-II or Bollgard-III

Bt. Technology
Area Production Yield
Country and year of
(Million ha) (Million bales) (kg/ha)
adoption

India Bollgard-II (2006) 12.2 32.01 447

China Fusedg 3.37 35.53 1794

Cry1Ab, Cry1Ac
Stacked CpTi
(1999)

USA Bollgard-III (2017) 4.13 23.52 968

Australia Bollgard-III (2016) 0.50 5.85 1990

Pakistan Bollgard-I (2010) 2.33 9.82 716

World 32.60 151.47 790

3
Source: ICAC

Table-1 depicts that Australia with top yield of about 1990 kg/ha is a first country to adopt
latest cotton GMO technology. The number of sprays in this country have reduced from 13 (1997)
to 3 (2018). India also switch to Bollgard-II in 2006 whereas, Pakistan commercialized Bollgard-I in
2010 and still relying upon this technology and hence bearing the consequences of old technology in
terms of higher number of sprays(8-15) and low economic return.

4
 2
CLIMATE CHANGE

Climate change is one of the main threats to agriculture productivity in the world including
Pakistan. Pakistan ranks 8th in terms of vulnerable to climate change in the world. Other highly
vulnerable countries to climate change include Bhutan, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka,
Thailand, Timor-Leste, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam as 37 percent of the total world emissions from
agriculture production are accumulating from Asia and the Pacific. Under this scenario, Asia can
lose 50 percent of its agriculture production by the end of this century (Asian Development Bank,
2009).
It is predicted that temperatures will increase by 3°C by 2040 and 5°C to 6°C by the end of
this century (Collins et al., 2013). The major impacts of climate change are high temperature and
fluctuation in rain fall pattern particularly in Pakistan (Figures 2&3). Temperature and rain fall
patterns are discussed below:

2.1 Temperature
Cotton is very sensitive to fluctuations in atmospheric temperature.
Temperature plays an important role on the growth stages as well as on the
boll setting and boll development of cotton. The adverse effects of climate
change on cotton include high fruit shedding, pollen viability, increased pest
pressure and diseases. Abrupt rise in temperature can badly affect the quality
of fiber, shriveled embryo due to dehydration that ultimately can affect the
seed germination.
The comparison of the maximum and minimum temperature for the year 1991, 2011 and
2020 is given in (Fig-2 & Fig-3).
2.1.1 Maximum Temperature

5
 Figure 2 regarding comparison of the seasonal maximum temperature for (April to
November) during the years 1991 and 2020 indicated 0.9°C increase over 2020, whereas there is
0.1 °C decrease from 2011 to 2020. Comparison of maximum temperature of August to November
of 1991 and 2020 depicted 1.5 °C increase from 1991 to 2020. The optimum temperature for boll
setting is 32/22 °C (day/night), whereas seasonal average temperature in Punjab remained around
38 °C and it goes even higher to 48 °C. These thermal fluctuations in day and night temperature at
critical stages of the crop reduced the yield due to flowers shedding and less boll setting.
Figure 2 Comparison of maximum temperature (°C) of cotton crop season 1991, 2011 and 2020(Apr.

to Nov.)

2.1.2 Minimum Temperature

Figure 3 regarding comparative study of minimum seasonal (April to November)
temperature of 2020 over 1991 and 2011 indicated increase of 1.9 °C from 1991 to 2020 and 0.5 °C
from 2011 to 2020 respectively. Moreover, there has beenan increase of 1.9 °C from 1991 to 2020
and 0.2 °C increase from 2011 to 2020 on the basis of August to November temperature. The
average minimum seasonal (April to November) temperature remains 27.5 °C whereas optimum
temperature 22 °C.This high temperature resulted in etiolation (shedding of buds) and poor crop-
stand. Humid and warm climate during plant growth periods is conducive for insects, pests and
disease attack that cause much damage to quantity and quality of its fiber.

6
Figure 3 Comparison of minimum temperature (°C) of cotton crop season 1991, 2011 and 2020(Apr.
to Nov.)

2.2 Erratic Rainfall pattern

Cotton is not a water loving crop due to
its tape root system. Heavy rains and stagnant
water are harmful at all the stages of crop
development. A heavy rain during fruiting stage
causes the boll shedding. The consequences of
high rainfall include excessive vegetative
growth and increase in plant height accompanied
with high infestation of insect pests and weeds.
Erratic and unexpected rains during the crop life cycle caused major decline in cotton
production and also deteriorated the quality of cotton. These factors had an adverse effect
on cotton crop and resulted in low per acre yield and production of the crop in Punjab. High
rains with their erratic pattern for whole the cotton season (Mar-Sept.) in 2020 (58 mm)
compared with that of 2019 (30 mm), 2018 (4 mm) and 2017 (19 mm) respectively (Fig. 4).

7
Year wise difference of rainfall during 2020, 2019, 2018over 2017 revealed 39, 11 & 15mm
respectively. This increase of percent rainfall resulted in fruit shedding, excessive vegetative
growth with increased internodal distance, more fungal attack and consequently reduced crop
productivity and deterioration of lint quality. Most ofthe area under cotton was sown in the
month of May i.e., 92%(Figure 5). Thus, May sown cotton crop was affected with heavy rains.
The heavy rain resulted in abnormal plant canopy and also increased weeds and pest pressure
like whitefly.
The available literature suggests that excessive wet conditions negatively affected
the cotton crop production in other ways also. Unpredicted high showers of rains resulted in
leach down of nutrients especially nitrogen, from the soil. Nitrogen added to the soil in the
form of granular fertilizer is especially
vulnerable to leaching down the cotton roots
rhizosphere. If this occurs, farmers either
have to incur the additional cost of
reapplying fertilizer or experience the reduction
in crop yield associated with nutrient
deficiency. It also causes shedding of immature
fruiting bodies and affects the pollination process. The flowers at the pollination stage may
not get pollinated as the rains may wash out the pollens. The rainfall which occurs before
pollination can compromise the adhesion of pollen to the stigma surface of flowers
(Akamine and Girolami 1959; Ortega et al. 2007), and thus rain has the potential to impair
both male and female reproduction in flowering plants. Pollinating insects usually neither
forage on damp or wet blossoms, nor fly in the rain. If pollen grains come into contact with
water, the water enters the openings in the pollen grains, through which the pollen tubes are
supposed to emerge. Varietal and Agronomic Research should be done to develop varieties
which can sustain rainfall, high humidity & high temperature, may be in the form of short
duration variety with high plant population.

8
 Figure 4 Total rainfall (mm) in cotton growing districts of Punjab from 1991, 2001, 2004,
2011 and 2020.

2.3 Change in sowing pattern

The climate has also affected sowing of cotton as recommendation for the department for
sowing is 1st April to 31st May, Whereas the figure shows that the trend of sowing of cotton
exhibited cultivation started during the 2nd week of April, that increased gradually and maximum
cultivation was during the months of May and June for 2018, 2019 and 2020 respectively (figure2).
Delay in sowing is mainly attributed to
late harvesting of wheat because of rains in the
months of March and April. This has affected
seed germination (plant population),, growth
and development of crop and ultimately cause
reduction in yield and overall cotton
productivity.

9
Figure 5. Trend of Percent Area Sown in 2018, 2019 and 2020 in Punjab

120

97
100

92

88
86
85
82
78
80

64
64
55
60

42
40

31
30
18

20
12
12
6
4
4
2
2
2
1
1
1
0
0

0
0

0
0
1st 2nd 3rd 4th 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 1st 2nd 3rd
week week week Week week week week Week week week week
April 2018 2019
May 2020 June

Source: DG Agri Ext.Punjab

10
 3
SEED QUALITY

Seed is a basic entity for obtaining good yield of cotton. There is a critical issue of
availability of quality seed i.e., low germination and seed impurity in Punjab. Region-wise cotton
seed testing results during 2019-20 demonstrated that a total of 41458.80 MT (Public=5
30;
Private=40928) seed was tested in Punjab and only 27499MT was up to the standard with 50%
rejection rate (Table 2). Farmers suffered a lot during 2020 due to severe shortage of quality seed
which resulted in the lowest population (15556/acre) during the last 4 years tenure (Fig 6).
Table 2. Cotton Seed Testing by Federal Seed Certification and Registration Department
during 2019-20
Province Sector Quantity Quantity accepted as standards (mt) Quantity

Tested BNS P.basic Basic Certified Approved Total Rejected

Punjab Public 530.80 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 11.00 13.80 517.00
Private 40928.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 5078.00 22408.00 27486.00 13442.00
Total 41458.80 0.00 0.00 0.00 5078.00 22419.00 27499.80 13959.00
Sindh Public 2.47 0.00 2.47 0.00 0.00 0.00 2.47 0.00
Private 3304.86 0.00 0.00 0.00 2710.90 284.46 2995.36 309.50
Total 3307.33 0.00 2.47 0.00 2710.90 284.46 2997.83 309.50
KPK Public 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Private 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Total 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
B.TAN Public 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Private 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Total 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Pakistan Public 533.27 0.00 2.47 0.00 0.00 11.00 16.27 517.00
Private 44232.86 0.00 0.00 0.00 7788.90 22692.46 30481.36 13751.50
Total 44766.13 0.00 2.47 0.00 7788.90 22703.46 30497.63 14268.50

11
12
 4
INSECT PESTS

High infestation of insect pests is a big challenge for successful cotton production in Punjab,
which results in 1-2 million bales losses in production.Such losses are not being averted despite
the high usage of pesticides by farmers as over 80% pesticides used on cotton crop.
4.1 Whitefly hotspots (%)
This pest remained on a higher (Fig.7) in the year 2020. Its resistance against several
pesticides has made this pest very difficult to control. Hotspots of whitefly increased from 5.64,
6.45 and 20.63 during 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively.

4.2 Jassid hotspots (%)

The hotspots of jassid were 3.02, 1.91 and 2.65 during the year 2018, 2019nda 2020,
respectively.

13
4.3 Mealybug hotspots (%)
The hotspots of mealybug increased from 7.4, 9.224 and 10.16 during 2018, 2019 and
2020, respectively.

4.4 Dusky bug (%)

The hotspots of dusky bug increased from 2.79, 5.1 and
7.75 during the year 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively.

4.5 Pink bollworm (%)

Comparatively higher infestations of pink bollworm (Fig.8) in 2020, had played a vital
role in reducing per acre yield and overall cotton
productivity of Punjab. Hotspots of pink bollworm
increased from 5.81, 8.92 and 14.29 during 2018, 2019
and 2020, respectively.

4.6 Armyworm hotspots (%)

The hotspots of armyworm were 1.8, 1.16 and 3.04 during the year 2018, 2019 and
2020, respectively.

14
Figure 7: Insect pests and disease position (Percent hot spots) for the year 2018, 2019 & 2020

Source: DG, PW&QC, 2020

Factors causing failure of pest management strategies
The sustainability of any pest management strategy depends on exploring the causes of its
failure rather than rejecting it at once. Following are the main causes of the failure of pest
management strategy in Pakistan:
Pest replacement: After the introduction of Bacillus thuringiensis
(Bt.) cotton in Pakistan, two notorious pests have been controlled
very successfully i.e. American bollworm and spotted bollworm.
But the same have been replaced by an extra ordinary pest pressure
of whitefly and pink bollworm.
Non clear identification of insect pest species/biotypes: It results in
wrong selection of control measures and failure of whole pest management strategy
especially in the case of whitefly.

15
Selection of poor control measures: It poses negative impacts on non-target beneficial
organism but does not ensure the suppression of the target insect species.And failure of
whole pest management strategy. For example in Pakistan it is very common to start pest
management on cotton by using pesticides, which certainly suppress population of beneficial
insects. Due to this major factor the farmer has to continue chemical control through
out the
season and has increased the average number of sprays, ultimately increasing the cost of
production.
Poor spray techniques: One of the main cause for the failure of chemical control is incorrect
methods of spray by nonprofessional applicators in Pakistan causing poor control, wastage of
time, labor and money.

Selection of incompatible control measures: This cause reduces the efficacy of the selected
control measures due to their antagonistic effects on the control potentials/properties of each
other and ultimately the designed strategy face failure. For instance use of pyrethroids for
pink bollworm in Pakistan cause flare up of whitefly on cotton. The pyrethroids should be
replaced by modern chemistry like spintoram or may be used on cotton when indispensable
(in August-September).
Selection of inappropriate application technique: Sometimes the

16
control measures are very strong and effective but their application techniques reduce the
effectiveness of the control measures and failure of the pest management strategy.
Improper timing of application of control measures: If very effective control measures are not
applied at the correct time, it also leads toward the failure of the strategy. For example,
application of chemical control during the unfavorable climatic conditions- when there is
expectation of rain or windstorm, application at noon etc. will either yield no control or least
control of the target insect pest species.

Application of same tactics excessively: This practice results in rapid development of

resistance in insect pests against pest management measures and ultimately causes prompt
reduction in the effectiveness of the pest management strategy. Unjustified use of pesticides
in Pakistan is the main reason for development of resistance and selection pressure.

17
Development of resistance in insect pest species against control measures: Development of
resistance against control measure due to its excessive and blind use is the critical and vital
factor which causes the failure of any pest management strategy. The resistance development
in cotton whitefly in Pakistan is the example.

Adverse climatic conditions: Sometimes climatic conditions, which are adverse for the
performance of pest management strategy and favor the pest population growth, prove a big
hurdle in the implementation of pest management strategy, reduce its effectiveness and
sometime result in its failure. Unexpected rains and relatively higher temperatures are the
climatic conditions in Pakistan, prevailing from last few years.

18
Use of incorrect dosage of pest control measure: Pest control measure, specifically chemical
and biological control, do not perform effectively if they are not applied at their
recommended and effective dosages even though they are implemented with strong and
productive strategy. Use of incorrect (under dose or over dose) dosage either results in futility
of pest management strategy (in case of under dose application) or rapid development of
resistance (in case of over-dose application) in insect pests against control strategy. Illiteracy,
unchecked spray system and lack of training of spray men are the causes of incorr
ect use of
dose in Pakistan.

19
 5
LOW EFFICACY OF

PESTICIDES
The quality of insecticides is being questioned by the farmers. Poor quality and application
methods of pesticides has increased the number of sprays resulting in high cost of production. In
the absence of genetically modified cotton cultivars offering resistance to insect pests, cotton
growers are dependent on using chemicals/sprays for control of insect pests
. It is added that GM
cotton will not be the absolute solution to cotton insect pests.

5.1. Efficacy of insecticides against cotton whitefly

Graphical representation revealed that maximum mortality of whitefly (Adult+Nymph)

was observed on 3rd and 2nd day of 1st spray by Matoi (@ 200g/acre) followed by 3rd day of 2nd
spray of Diafenthioran, however none of the insecticide caused mortality of whitefly
(Adult+Nymph) more than 60% against 80% mortality for registration of insecticide (Figure
8).

Figure 8: Mortality (%) of Whitefly (Adult+Nymphs) at Recommended Doses of Insecticides

under Field Conditions

20
 Graphical representation revealed that maximum mortality of adult whiteflies (70) was
observed by Matoi insecticide on 3rd day of first spray application. The mortality caused by other
insecticides was less than 60% (Fig.9).

Figure 9: Mortality (%) of Whitefly Adults at Recommended Doses of Insecticides under

Field Conditions
Graphical representation revealed that maximum mortality of whitefly nymphs was
maximum by Difenthiuron (200 ml) upto (58 % mortality) on 3rd day of second spray. he
T least
effective insecticide against nymphs was Flonicamid (60 g) (Fig.10).

21
Figure 10: Mortality (%) of Whitefly Nymphs at Recommended Doses of Insecticides under
Field Conditions

22
5.2. Impact of PBW pesticide applications on whitefly

Graphical representation exhibited four schedules of insecticides tested against whitefly

(Adult & Nymphs) population. Insecticides comprising of Spinetoram, Abamectin &Triazophos;
Chlorantraniliprole, Spinetoram & Abamectin; Gamma-cyhalothrin, Lambda-cyhalothrin &
Abamectin; Bifenthrin, Bifenthrin & Bifenthrin (in all 3 sprays) and without spray (control) were
used in 1st; 2nd; 3rd; 4th and 5th treatment, respectively. Population of whitefly was recorded as
Pre-treatment (before spray), one day, 3 day and 7 days afterpray,
s respectively (Fig. 11). Results
revealed that in all insecticidal treatments, population of the whitefly was effectively reduced on
7th, 3rd&1st day, respectively after 1st spray and it increased on succeeding 2nd and 3rd sprays.
Results further depicted that the 1st and 2nd schedule gave comparatively better management of
whitefly followed by 3rd one. Whitefly population of adult and nymphs increased to 60 numbers
with number of sprays of bifenthrin, whereas a decreasing trend of whitefly populationwas
observed in control treatment, respectively.

Figure 11: Graphical representation regarding Population of Adults and Nymphs Whitefly

23
 Pink bollworm infestation data revealed that treatments i.e., T1 (Spinetoram, Abamectin
&Triazophos) & T3 (Gamma-cyhalothrin, Lambda-cyhalothrin & Abamectin) gave better
infestation reduction of PBW larva upto 22 & 24%, followed by T2 (Chlorantraniliprole,
Spinetoram & Abamectin) with 36% infestation, respectively(Fig. 12). Minimum effectiveness of
T4 (Bifenthrin, Bifenthrin & Bifenthrin) for the management of pink bollworm was observed with
infestation 51% and control without spray (control) was 81%, respectively.

Figure 12: Graphical representation regarding PBW Larvae Infestation Percentage

24
5.3. Pesticide resistance development in Whitefly

Bemisia tabaci, whitefly collected from cotton fields of Multan, Bahawalpur and
Khanewal were exposed to nine insecticides viz. imidacloprid, acetamiprid, flonicamid,
pyriproxyfen, spirotetramat + iopower,
b flupyradifuron and thiamethoxam using leaf dip method.
Adults of B. tabaci were temporarily immobilized with carbon dioxide and then20-30 adults were
exposed to each treated leaf discs laid on layer of agar gel (5mm thick) in plastic petri dishes
. Five
to six concentrations for each insecticide were tested and each concentration was replicated eight
times. Observations on mortality were taken 48 h after treatment for conventional insecticides and
72 hrs after treatment for new chemistry insecticides.

Results showed moderate to very high LC50 values for all the tested insecticides. These
LC50 values indicate resistance development to the tested insecticides in various locations(Table
4). Hence, there is a dire need to develop and imply insecticideresistance management (IRM)
strategies.

25
Table 4 Response of Bemisia tabaci to different insecticides collected from various locations
of Southern Punjab during 2018-19

Insecticide Location Slope +SE 95% Fiducial LC50

limits (ppm)
Imidacloprid Multan 1.56 +0.15 301.12 - 495.96 393.22
Bahawalpur 1.20 +0.11 73.25 – 133.82 101.05
Khanawal 1.17 +0.11 172.37 – 304.5 232.78
Acetamiprid Multan 1.58 +0.14 202.25– 330.97 236.26
Bahawalpur 1.23 +0.13 25.48 – 45.77 34.83
Khanawal 1.59 +0.12 61.88 – 98.91 79.47
Flonicamid Multan 1.20 +0.19 50.22 – 261.11 134.94
Bahawalpur 1.26 +0.11 145.43 –274.57 210.00
Khanawal 1.36 +0.13 252.41 – 420.37 330.75
Pyrifroxyfen Multan 1.46 +0.20 313.65 – 557.40 419.86
Bahawalpur 1.22 +0.12 75.80 – 140.82 105.70
Khanawal 1.73 +0.31 29.51 – 192.28 97.83
Spirotetramat Multan 1.28 +0.09 21.08 – 35.21 27.63
Bahawalpur 1.61 +0.17 310.51 – 522.06 411.68
Khanawal 1.26 +0.15 235.45 – 419.60 315.15
Flupyradifurone Multan 1.74 +0.18 162.48 – 257.21 207.49
Bahawalpur 1.38 +0.16 175.17 – 316.62 239.78
Khanawal 1.23 +0.11 46.68 – 81.70 62.95
Thiamethoxam Multan 1.41 +0.13 50.28 – 88.25 68.16
Bahawalpur 1.41 +0.13 72.08 – 125.04 97.01
Khanawal 1.47 +0.11 19.20 – 31.13 24.82

However, the efficacy depend upon right product at right time with right dose at right
stage of pest with right method of spray application. Due to resistance development against
some chemicals do not give better results.

26
 6
DISEASES AND WEEDS

Cotton Leaf Curl Virus (CLCuV) disease is another impediment causing a colossal loss of
2 to 4 million bales per annum. Despite continuous concerted research efforts, the problem of
CLCuV has not yet been completely resolved. It is worth mentioning here that this isease
d has
high incidence in Pakistan especially in Punjab, and no research on this disease is being
conducting elsewhere in the world. Therefore, its solution must come from local research
institutes. The comparison of CLCuV during different years is illu
strated in Figure 13.
Figure 13 Comparison of CLCuV percentage since 1997 to 2020

Source: PWQC

Weeds infestation is another yield limiting factor behind low productivity which causes
heavy losses in production. The research conducted at CRI Multan revealed up to 40% losses in

27
yield due to weeds infestation. Weed compete with the crop for nutrients, provide shelter for
whitefly and other insect pests and became alternate host plants for CLCuV especially in Mult
an
and Vehari.

28
 7
COMPETING CROPS

Another factor for low production of cotton is declining trend of area under cotton crop
and increase in area of competing crops i.e. rice, maize, sugarcane. Figure4 1depicts 36.24 %
reduction in area of cotton and an ni crease of 38.9% of rice and 90% of maize since 2007. These
crops have largely replaced cotton area in south Punjab which is the main cotton belt.
Currently, sugarcane, rice and maize crops have replaced cotton crop in the South Punjab
on a large area. Multiple cropping is a major impediment to achieve area and production targets,
and effective pest management.

Paddy Wheat Maize

Potato Sugarcane Co on

29
Fig 14. Yearly comparison of Area of cotton with rice, maize, and sugarcane since 2007.

-36.24%

(Source: DG Agri. Ext. Punjab)

30
 8
PRICE INSTABILITY

Price is one of the major factors causing reduction in cotton area and production.Cotton
farmers in Pakistan are less paid than those of the world. The cotton prices in Pakistan have been
about 10 cents/pound (16 rupees/pound) lower than that of international prices. Lint price in
Pakistan remained low (Rs. 10088 per 40 kg) compared with that of the international market (Rs.
11051 per 40 kg) as shown in Table5. Although cotton price in 2020 was high than that of 2018
& 2019 (Table 5), yet it was low as compared with its cost of production due to hike in inputs
cost.
All this led to discouragement in cotton growers for cultivation of cotton and investment
on better management of crop. Owing to increase in cost of production and stagnant yield of
cotton, net profitability of cotton crop is lower than that of the other competing crops i.e.
sugarcane, rice and maize. Farmers have switched from cotton to rice and maize crops, resulting
in reduction in cotton planting area and ultimately, affecting total productivity of the Province.

31
Table 5 Comparison of cotton prices of Pakistan and the World since 2014

Ave KCA Crop Crop Value (Rs. Billion) Farmers

Ave Cotlook
Price Volume Loss
Year A Index As per As per
(Rs./40 (Mil. (Rs.
(Rs./40 kg) Cotlook KCA
kgs) Bales) Billion)
Price Price

2020 11051 10088 10.795 469 419 50

2019 10229 9142 10.795 469 419 50

2018 9290 7911 10.847 428 365 63

2017 7149 6381 12.600 383 342 41

2016 6704 6072 11.039 337 305 32

2015 6104 5139 10.859 302 254 48

2014 6707 5943 13.488 412 365 47

(Source: PCCC)

32
 9
SHORTAGE OF WATER

With an estimated population of 227 million by 2025, Pakistan’s current water availability
of less than 1100 cubic meters per person, down from 5000 cubic meters in 1951 classifiest ias a
“water-stressed” country that is headed towards becoming a “water
-scarce” country if corrective
measures are not taken urgently.

Pakistan is facing severe water scarcity due to the changing climate (a long dry season),
growing population and industrialization. Agriculture is responsible for more than 90% of the
country’s total water demand (Laghari et al., 2012; Mekonnen and Hoekstra, 2016).
Pakistan's water resources are reducing tremendously, upto 2025 there will be an absolute water
shortage warned by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) andPakistan Council
of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR).

33
 Although crop water requirement of cotton crop is low, however cotton requires
supplementary irrigation for its growth. Water stress durin
g cotton growth can affect many
physiological (photosynthesis, leaf area index, relative water contents, excised leaf water contents,
leaf water potential etc.) and quantitative (plant height, yield, fiber quality etc.) traits. The highest
water scarcity is reached in the beginning of the cropping seasons, which is May
-June for the
cotton (Fig. 15).

Storage capacity is limited to a 30-day supply, well short of the recommended 1000 days
for countries of a comparable climate. The supply demand gap is continuing to increase -
compounded by the effects of climate change on snowmelt, reducing flows into the Indus River,
the primary fresh-water source for the country.

Figure 15: Declining water availability in Pakistan

Source: WWF Pakistan, 2007

34
 10
SOIL HEALTH

Cotton is being grown extensively in arid and semiarid regions where high temperature,
low rainfall, high soil pH (8-9) and low organic matter (0.5-0.78) are the critical factors that are
affecting productivity of cotton (Smith et al. 2007; Karl et al. 2009; Karmakar et al. 2016).
Development of soil salinity and drought, due to high temperatures, createshe
t problems of poor
germination, growth and boll formation that not only decreases the yield but also deteriorates the
quality of fiber. Moreover, extensive farming of crops with high nutrient demand on calcareous
soils with low organic matter has made 90% of Punjab’s soils deficient in macro and micro
nutrients (Jiskani 2011; Yaseen et al. 2013) (Table 6).

35
 The soils of cotton belt of Punjab are deficient in nitrogen, phosphorus, potash, zinc,
boron, iron, copper and organic matter (Table 6).These field-scale deficiencies have halted cotton
yield in the last decade (Ali 2012; Soleymani and Shahrajabian 2012).

Table 6 Deficiency of various nutrients in Punjab soils

Sr. Element Deficiency (%)

1 Nitrogen 95
2 Phosphorus 90
3 Potash 40
4 Zinc 57
5 Boron 50
6 Iron 21
7 Cu 01

Source: DG Res. Agri, AARI-FSD

36
 11
OTHER FACTORS AND
OVERALL IMPACT

11.1 Shortage of Labor for picking

Labour shortage in agriculture sector is generally a major problem in most of parts of
Pakistan. Cotton picking is done manually (hand picking) in Pakistan.Availability of labour for
picking of cotton is becoming a serious problem day by day as the labour forces are migrating
from rural to urban areas. A big quantity of seed cotton (phutti) is lost in the field due to non-
availability of pickers. It also affects lint quality as well as seed quality. Sometimes, female
labour for this purpose has to be hired from remote areas increasing cost of production of the
farmers.

37
38
11.2 High cost of production

The cost of production was Rs. 63970 /acre (with land rent) during 2020 (Table 7) which is
too high considering the average Punjab yield of 18 mounds per acre and seed cotton price of Rs.
3800 per mond during 2019-20. Whereas Punjab average yield is for the year 2020 was 18 monds
per acre. The average price of seed cotton is Rs. 3600 per mond. Hence, there is little profit for
cultivation of cotton. The major factor in high cost of cotton production includes -3
2 times
increase in pesticides over the last three years.

39
11.3 Overall impact
Plant mapping data depicts increase in number of bolls per plant (15.21) and plant height
(122.32 cm) during 2020 than last years (2017, 2018 & 2019) whereas average boll weight (2.4
g) decreased over the last 3 years (Fig. 16). The key factor in reduction of yield / acre is low boll
weight during 2020.

Fig 16 Comparison of number of bolls per plant for 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020

40
Table 7: Cost of production, seed cotton (2020-21)

No. Operation / Inputs Avg. No. of Percentage of Avg. Cost per Total weighted
Operation / Unit Usage (%) Operation / Unit Cost
(/Acre) (Rs./acre) (Rs. /acre)
Deep Ploughing 1.08 65 1428 1002
Ploughing 3.42 100 768 2627
1 Planking 1.9 100 514 977
Leveling 1 39 1620 632
Cost of Land Prep 5237
Seed Quantity (kg) 8 100 323 2584
Seed Drilling 1 21 758 159
Seed broadcasting 1 64 1020 653
2
Seed Treatment 1 36 383 138
Bridging 1 80 1068 854
Cost of seed and sowing 4388
Water No 7 96 955 6418
Water Labour 1 65 142 92
3
Canal Labour 1 65 372 242
Cost of Water 6752
Urea 2.35 100 1630 3831
DAP 1.04 100 3400 3536
Other Fertilizer 1 17 3200 544
4
Fertilizer Labour 1 100 233 233
Ferlizer Transport 1 100 115 115
Cost of Fertilizer 8259
Dung Trolly 2.39 5 1082 129
Dung Transport 1 5 707 35
5
Dung Labour 1 4 710 28
Cost of Dung 193
Spray Pesticides 8.13 100 1091 8870
6 Spray Pest Labour 1 91 219 199
Cost of Pesticides 9069
Spray Weedicides 1.06 92 864 843
Spray Weed Labour 1 83 209 173
7
Hoeing Labour 1 61 2128 1298
Cost of Weedicides 2314
Pick / Dig Cost 1 100 7419 7419
Cutting Cost 0
8 Threshing Cost 0
Machine Harvesting 0
Cost of Harvesting 7419
9 Full / Half Yearly Land Rent (Rs./acre) 20000
Admin. Cost 1 12 2826 339
10 Tunnel Cost 0
Cost of Other Exp. 3339
Transport Rent 1 60 1071 643
Transport Labour 1 28 592 166
11
Bar Dana (Bags) 0
Cost of Transport 808
With Land Rent (/acre) 63970
(at Farm Gate) (/40 kg) 3367
Cost of Production
Without Land Rent (/acre) 43970
(at Farm Gate) (/40 kg) 2314
Avg. Yield (/40 kg) 19.0
Crop Price (Rs./40 kg) 3713 70547
Gross Revenue Residual (Rs. / acre) 2474
Net Revenue (Rs. / acre) 73021
With Land Rent (/acre) 9051
(at Farm Gate) (/40 kg) 476
Profit
Without Land Rent (/acre) 29051
(at Farm Gate) (/40 kg) 1529
Indicative Price (Rs./ 40 kg) @ 25 4209
Source: Crop Reporting Service, Punjab

41
 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR
REVIVAL OF COTTON

1. Acquisition of latest GMO technology

Advanced GM Technology is very vital in enhancing overall cotton production. Pakistan
needs new advanced GM technology for protection against all chewing pests and weed control.
It will also reduce overall cost of production. This technology will be effective against all
bollworms and armyworm.
Govt. of Punjab should make a formal request to the Federal Govt foracquisition of the
latest technology immediately equivalent to Monsanto Bollgard III (Cry1Ac+Cry2Ab+Vip3A)
and herbicides (glyphosate/ glufosinate) resistant genes. It has been learnt that CEMB (Centre
for Excellent for Molecular Biology) has succeeded in developing CKC-I, triple gene variety
possessing Bt. (Cry1Ac+Cry2A) and herbicides resistance (GTG) genes. This technology is
equivalent to Monsanto Bollgard II with the addition of glyphosate resistant genes. This
technology is available with top Bt. technology providers of the worlds who are also operating
in Pakistan.
Table 8: Available GMO technology
Toxin Year Insects Controlled Commercial Name
Bollgard ®
Cry1Ac* 1996 Bollworms: Cotton, Pink, Spiny
Delta and Pineland/Monsanto
Cry1Ac
Bollworms: Cotton, Pink, Spiny Bollgard II ®
+ 2003
Leafworms: Spodoptera spp Delta and Pineland/Monsanto
Cry2Ab
Cry1Ac
Numerous Varieties
+ 1997 Bollworms: Cotton, Pink, Spiny
Chinese Agademy of Agric. Sciences
Cry1Ab and or CpTi
Cry1Ac
Bollworms: Cotton, Pink, Spiny WideStrike ®
+ 2005
Leafworms: Spodoptera spp Dow AgroSciences
Cry1Fa
Bollworms: Cotton, Pink, Spiny
VipCot ®
Vip3A 2016 Leafworms: Spodoptera spp
Syngenta
Cutworms: Agrotis sp …

Modified from James 2003&2004

42
 CRI Multan started a joint cotton project with CEMB to develop Bt. (Cry 1AC+ Cry2A)
and glyphosate (GT) resistant cotton varieties in 2011 with the funding of Punjab Agriculture
Research Board. In which private companies (Four Brothers and Agri Farm Pvt. Ltd.) and public
institutes (MNSUAM) were collaborative components. One variety i.e., MNH-1045 has been
developed through using advanced CEMB GMO technologyunder this project.
2. Development of Climate Resilient Varieties
The viable and long-term solution of heat stress is the development of heat tolerant varieties.
Cotton Research institute efforts to cope with this problem. Studies on physiological aspects of
heat tolerance needs acceleration to achieve this objective. Cotton Research Institute Multan has
developed one variety i.e., MNH-1020 (Fig.1) which is highly tolerant to high temperature and
has been approved by Punjab Seed Council in January 2021. Moreover, the team at CRI Multan
has also developed one line through inter-specific hybridization of desi and American cotton
(MNH-1027). This line has shown high degree of tolerance against ihgh temperature along with
very good boll weight (5.0 g). This line will be approved for general cultivation within two years.
Moreover, new laboratories are being established at CRI Multan for conducting research on
various aspects including heat tolerance. It is recommended that all facilities of the laboratories be
provided to CRI Multan for achieving the targets.

Fig. 17 Highly heat tolerant varieties, i.e., MNH-1020 and MNH-1027 at CRI Multan

MNH-1020 MNH-1027

43
 Staple Staple
Boll GOT Mic strength GOT strength
Length Boll weight (g) Length Mic (µg/inch)
weight (g) (%) (µg/inch) (g/tex) (%) (g/tex)
(mm) (mm)
5.0 43 28.09 4.68 35.8 4.5 42.2 30.2 4.2 34.2

Moreover, management of crop particularly use of potash and need based irrigation of crop
is tool
to avoid heat stress.
3. Seed Quality
Cotton is planted on an area of 4.0 million acres in Punjab. For this purpose, we need 50
thousand metric tons seed of cotton. Production of pre-basic, basic and certified seed need to be
focused for production of quality seed. For this purpose, plan for production of 50 thousand
metric tons seed is given as under:

Table 9: Plan for Seed production of cotton for 5.0 Million acres in Punjab
Seed Area Purity
Germination
Category requirement required Tag color
(%) (%)
(Metric ton) (acre)
White with purple diagonal
Pre-basic 16 40 80 99.99
line
Basic 800 2000 80 98 White
Certified 40,000 100,000 75 98 Purple

Following recommendations are purposed for improvement of the seed quality:

3.1 Enforcement of Seed Act 1976 Amended in 2015

Furthermore, the enforcement of Seed Act is the responsibility of Federal Seed
Certification and Registration Department, Ministry of National Food Security & Research,
Islamabad which is lacking human resource as well as infrastructure in districts. It is therefore
recommended that Federal Seed Certification & Registration department may be strengthen.

It is therefore proposed that powers of inspectors may be delegated to the provincial

Agriculture department in accordance with the provision of rule in Seed Act 1976 amended
2015 for effective monitoring and to ensure provision of quality seed to farmers.

3.2 Strengthening of Punjab Seed Corporation

Punjab Seed Corporation has played a vital role for cotton seed multiplication in Punjab
in the past by providing quality seed to the growers. For the last few years, there are issues of
land, staff, machinery and capacity building in this organization.
It is, therefore recommended to resolve these issues on priority basis so as to enable this
corporation to develop good quality seed and its provision to cotton growers.

44
 3.3 Up gradation of Private Seed Sector
Punjab Seed Corporation has limited resources and is unable to fulfill the cotton seed
requirements of entire Punjab. It is, therefore, necessary to regulate the private seed sector for the
provision of quality seed to the cotton growers in Punjab. Private seed sector can play a vital
role as per provision given in Seed Amendment Act 2015 and Seed Rules 2016. Private Seed
sector can produce quality Basic Seed and can get Seed Certification from FSC&RD department,
by this mean, it can support Punjab Seed Corporation in providing quality seed. Total 1038
companies were registered in Punjab. Out of which 316 private seed companies failed to get
their renewal of registration. Thus totally 722 private seed companies are now working in
Punjab. The top most seed companies are as under:
4 Brothers, 33 Kilometer Adda 9 Kassi, Vehari Road Multan (061
-6537541-7, 0300-
6537548)
Neelum Seed Corporation PVt. Ltd., Vehari Road Chowk Metla Tehsil Jahania,
Weal AG Seed Corporation PVt. Ltd., (Allah Din Group of Companies), 47A Industrial
State, Multan (061-6536702, 061-6537224, 0335-1400140)
Jullundhar Seed Corporation PVt., Ltd., 56 Model Town(Ext.) Lahore, Arifwala
(042-35175912-14, 042-35175915)
Tara Crop Sciences Pvt. Ltd., 1 Block G
-2 Canal Bank Road, Johar Town, Lahore (UAN
-
92-42-111-22-33-88)
3.4 Collaboration of public service and private research institute
Collaboration in between CEMB and of the cotton team of Punjab should also be
strengthened through a formal working guidelines document with clear objectives and time
frame.
4. Launching Comprehensive IPM for Pink Bollworm and Whitefly Control
Integrated pest management is the best tool to control pests and diseases. It enhances
population of natural enemies of pests. Thus, all integrated measures should be taken to control
pests particularly, whitefly and pink bollworm and lower overall cost of production. Strategy for
control of pink bollworm and whitefly is given as under:
4.1 Control of pink bollworm
➢ Off-season management of pink bollworm:
Grazing of animals, sheep and goats in the field (for green boll destruction)
Making heaps of cotton sticks vertically and keep on inverting
Removal of affected seed from the ginning factories

45
 Early removal or rotavation of cotton sticks.
➢ In-Season Management of pink bollworm
Avoid early planting.
Use of PB ropes
Use Pheromone traps for monitoring of PBW well in time.
Use of effective pesticides
Promote the use of light traps
➢ 4.2 Availability of PB Ropes and Pheromone traps
PB ropes is one of the tools to manage pink bollworm infestation. In the past it has
been very effective for management of pink bollworm. PB ropes are imported from iether
China or Japan. We have faced problem in the import of PB ropes, i.e., delay in import and
high cost. Therefore, it is suggested that these should be manufactured locally to reduce
the cost of production and to ensure its timely availability to the maximum number of
cotton growers.
➢ 4.3 Distribution of PB Ropes on subsidized rate
Federal government has announced subsidy @ Rs.1000/acre on PB ropes for 1.5
millioin acres under the project “Cotton productivity Enhancement through Eco
-Friendly
Pink bollworm management and capacity building under PM Emergency Program” for the
crop season 2021. It is recommended that this subsidy may be enhanced for 5 lac acres in
Punjab for crop season 2022.
4.4 Control of whitefly
➢ Control of whitefly on spring crops.
➢ Eradication of host plants of whitefly
➢ Reducing sowing window: 1st May to 30th May (Govt ensures water availability).
➢ Sowing of approved varieties.
➢ Seed treatment
➢ 0-60 days after sowing: No chemical spray only
➢ Use of plant extracts (neem, castor oil etc.)
➢ 60-90 days: soft spray
➢ Encouragement of bio-control
➢ Completion of nitrogen application: within 60 days after sowing
➢ Use of yellow sticky cards (1-1.5ft) replaced after every 15 days.
➢ Working is required on ETLs of cotton pests in particular the whitefly, de
velop continue

46
 resistance monitoring system against pesticides.
➢ Pesticide companies should establish cotton demonstration plots with the best insect pest
management practices of their strategy for demonstration to farmers.
4.5 Experience of whitefly control in Indian Punjab
In 2015, cotton production in Indian Punjab was adversely affected due to severe attack
of Whitefly. The yield sharped dropped to 376 kg/ha (2015-2016) from 800 kg/ha (2013-2014).
The provincial Government of Indian Punjab chalked out IPM program with consultation of
experts to tackle the problem of whitefly. This program proved very useful in mitigating the
adverse effects of whitefly an enhancing yield to 756 kg/ha (2016-2017) and 780 kg/ha (2018-19).
➢ The key points of whitefly management strategy are as under:
➢ Reducing sowing window: 1st May to 30th May (Govt. ensures water availability).
➢ Eradication of host plants of whitefly- restriction of sowing on mung bean in this area
➢ 0-60 days after sowing: No chemical spray only use of plan
t extracts (neem, castor oil etc.)
➢ 60-90 days: soft spray
➢ Completion of nitrogen application: within 60 days after sowing
➢ Use of yellow sticky cards (1-1.5ft) replaced after every 15 days.
➢ Reducing cultivation of hybrids from 100 to 25.
4.6. Sowing Window
Some farmers particularly those who are involved in illegal seed business prefer to sow
cotton crop in February-March, due to which the suicidal generation of Pink Bollworm starts
multiplying on the early available host. Such early sown cotton plots become hatchery of Pink
Bollworm and becomes a potential threat for the seasonal Cotton. Thus, the sowing window

should be fixed from 1st April to 31st May for management of diseases and pests
particularly pink bollworm. However in Sahiwal Division recommended sowing time starts
from 15th March to 15th May.
5. Accelerating Work on Insecticide Resistance
Efficacy of insecticides is a big question for management of insects. Work should be
accelerated to study the efficacy of available insecticides and increase in insecticide resistance.
5.1 Management of Insecticide Resistance
It is important to monitor pest populations regularly. Any changes in insect populations
that may indicate the presence or development of resistance should be dealt with promptly,
utilizing the insecticides resistance management strategy. Insecticide resistance will continue to
be an issue, because resistance can never be halted. Utilizing an integrated resistance

47
 management plan allows us to delay and manage resistance.
Insecticides resistance management strategies include:
➢ Avoid unnecessary insecticide applications
➢ Utilize non chemical control techniques
➢ Leave some proportion of untreated area as refuges where susceptible pests can
survive and insert their genetics into populations
➢ Spray alternate pesticides with different mode of action
➢ Apply insecticides in tank mixes or sequentially that include multiple modes of action
➢ Apply uniform and accurate dose of pesticides
➢ Utilize host plant resistance and rotate to different crops
➢ Improve sanitation
5.2 Import of New Chemistry Pesticides

The available pesticide chemistry is less effective against the pests particularly whitefly
which has become devastating for the last few years. The number of sprays has gone up from 4
(1992) to 10 and even in some cases to 15 sprays per acre which has increased overall cost of
production and is adversely effecting yield as well as overall productivity of the province. There
is a failure of product life cycle management from industry players (especially container
companies – grown up like mushrooms) having no technical background, no technical field
advisory services, a long list of generic/ mee-too products with different brand names, flexible
regulations etc.
Hence, the import of new chemistry pesticides is direly needed to facilitate cotton
growers for effective control of the insect pests of cotton.
5.3 Local Manufacturing of Pesticides
There is a dire need to manufacture pesticide locally to reduce the cost of production. India
has been working on this strategy since 1970 but unfortunately, Pakistan could not emerge as
local manufacturer. Installation of active ingredient manufacturing facility is a huge investment
for the local or foreign investors, this involves capability of discovery, state of the art
laboratories, and capabilities of detailed toxicological studies. In Pakistan we are still dependent
on foreign expertise for certain complex studies required for registration. Pakistan is a very
small market for investors to cater only local needs, all basi
c manufacturers invest keeping
export model to other countries in the business plans, Pakistan has limitations in export and
trade policies.

48
Pakistan does not enjoy the status of a favorite, business friendly, culturally flexible and safe
place for foreign investors. Local manufacturing is not the only remedial measure to reduce cost,
if product is working well and worth cost/befit, farmer can calculate and ready to pay. Local
Manufacturing should be promoted and should made their research center in Pakista
n, like wise
India.

6. Development of Cotton Leaf Curl virus resistance and herbicide resistant cotton varieties
A long term and viable approach to tackle the problems of leaf curl virus disease and
weeds is the development of genetically CLCuV resistantand herbicide resistant cotton varieties.
In this regards efforts have been made by cotton research institute Multanto resolve the issue of
cotton leaf curl virus disease.

Glyphosate resistant variety MNH-1045 has been developed and tested against Glyphosate
spray @2000 ppm at CRI Multan. (More detail already discussed in above heading # 1.
Acquisition of latest GMO technology.)

It is further added that a mega project was startedin 2010 with the USDA in which about
5000 accessions were imported and screened in Pakistan at different locations, i.e., Faisalabad,
Vehari, Sahiwal and Multan and one of the introduced accessions, Mac-07, has been found highly
tolerant against CLCuV. A highly CLCV tolerant lineMNH-875 has also been developed by CRI
through introgression of Gossypium hirsutum and G. anomalum. Moreover, one Bt+glyphosate
resistant line MNH 1045 has been developed by CRI Multan through collaboration of MNS
University of Agriculture Multan using CEMB Bt+ GTG genes.

Moreover strategy need to be developed for tackling the issue of fungal diseases
particularly blackening, reddening and wilting. Long term approach is development of cotton
varieties resistant to these diseases, whereas the short term plan is the management of these
disease through proper nutrition, application of fungicides and crop rotation. It is also suggested
that team of pathologists may be dedicated for conducting research cotton diseases.

7. Crop Zoning
Punjab is divided into 8 distinct ecological zones. Every zone has a dominant cropping
system; however, encroachment has been observed in these traditional zones by other competing
crops like Sugarcane, Rice and Maize etc. due to more benefit of these competing crops.
Resultantly traditional zoning in Punjab province has been heavily affected by other crops.

49
 FAO has completed a study on the ecological zone in Punjab. Punjab has also an Adaptive
Research System based on different ecological zones. PARC Islamabad and Universities are also
working on these lines.
Crop zoning should be strictly followed instead of traditional farming.
8. Mechanism to maintain seed cotton price stability

There exists policy support for cotton in in advance cotton growing countries. In India,
Minimum Cotton support Price policy has been implemented since 1975 which has stabilized
prices in this country. This is one of the main factors for increasing area as well as yield of India.
In this neighboring country, there is also subsidy on inputs fertilizers and electricity etc. which
reduces the cost of production and making cotton profitable crop.
In the past, minimum support price for cotton has been implemented in 2004 which had a
positive impact on increasing cotton production. Trading Corporation Pakistan (TCP) was
assigned the task of purchasing cotton at minimum support price. It is therefore recommended
that intervention price / minimum support price @ Rs. 4500/mond may kindly announced before
March, 2021 to lure growers for cotton cultivation otherwise the area of other profitable crops
like
Maize, Rice and Sugarcane will further replace cotton area. Trading Corporation of Pakistan
(TCP) will be given the taskfor procurement of cotton.

8.1 Incentive for Clean Cotton

According to International Textile Manufacturing Federation (ITMF), Pakistan is the 3rd
most contaminated cotton producing country in the world and our cotton is fetching 2-3 cent per
pound less price in the international market of cotton and ultimately losing about Rs. 7.0 billion,
annually. It is, therefore, very important to focus on clean picking of cotton. Government should
announce incentives on clean picked cotton which would help the cotton farmers to fetch better
cotton prices in the local as well as international market.

8.2. Intervention Price

For sustainable cotton production, there has been a consistent demand to ensure farmers
profitability through intervention prices. The major recommendation of the committee was that
the Government should announce intervention price at the rate of Rs. 5000/
- per 40kg/mond of
seed cotton to lure growers to cultivate cotton crop and invest for better management of crop in
order to obtain better yield. It would also bring about expansion in area of cotton and resultantly,
enhancing overall cotton production.

50
9. Laser Land Leveling and availability of irrigation

One of the impacts of climate change is increased possibility of drought condition, which may
create hindrance in increasing cotton production. Laser leveling of fields is the best way of
decreasing total water requirement of the crop during the base period. Laser leveling should be
done before sowing of crop so that total water requirement of crop can be decreased by uniform
application of water in leveled field.
Laser Land levelling is necessary to increase water efficiency as it reduces irrigation
time and enhances productivity not only of water but also of other non-water farm inputs.
Results in technologically advanced countries have indicated that laser levelling saves water to
the tune of 25-30% and time by 30% and also improves the productivity by 10-15%.
It is suggested that government should ensure availability of water at the time of sowing
(April-May) for expansion of cotton area and during fruiting (July-September) to harvest
maximum yield. For this purpose, a comprehensive program may be chalked out with irrigation
department followed by its strict implementation.
Pakistan needs a comprehensive water strategy that must combine the building of a
substantial amount of additional water storage; the minimization of losses in the conveyance
system; and the strengthening of governance to implement effective policies to maximize crop
yields per unit of water. In addition, the country needs vigilance and strong international lobbying
power to protect its water at source.

Water productivity can be enhanced by reducing conveyance losses or by applying

efficient irrigation methods.

10. Improvement of soil health

For sustainable cotton production, soil health and environment preservation are of utmost
importance. There is a need for integrated soil health tests that shouldbe validated for specific
area because localized nutrient deficiencies are common based on cropping systems. Many
traditional methods for increasing application of organic matter in soil such as additionof farm
yard manure, green manuring, composting as well as appropriate tillage practices and cover
cropping will improve soil capacity to supply macro and micro nutrients foreconomical and
sustainable cotton production.

51
 11. Other factors
11.1 Solution to Shortage of Labor for Picking
There is dire need to adopt mechanized farming and develop varieties which are best
suited for mechanical picking.
11.2. Crop Production Technology
Awareness about production technology is very important for obtaining maximum yield
of cotton. Low literacy rate has impacted on acquiring complete knowledge about production
technology of cotton i.e., preparation of land, soil analysis, seed rate, proper time for spray and
fertilizer application, pest scouting, cotton picking manners, irrigation practices and weed control.
The progressive grower having knowledge about cotton production technology are harvesting
very good yield while on the other hand, the growers with poor knowledge are unable to harvest
good yield resulting in less productivity against the production target.
Precision agriculture is the long-term solution for lowing cost of production. Majority of
the farmers in Punjab are using old and outdated farm machinery i.e. lack of laser land levelling,
deep ploughing machinery, and spraying and harvesting machinery etc. For lowering cost of
production and enhancing cotton production, we need to develop advanced farm machinery
starting from sowing to harvesting using modern farm machinery.
Production technology of the variety may be applied to harvest maximum yield potential
of that variety. Seminars may be organized to for the farmers for the demonstration of
production technology of that specific variety in that particular area.
11.3 Capacity Building of Farmers
The farming community is lacking adequate knowledge of modern techniques of pest
scouting, spraying, fertilizer application etc. It is important to equip farmers with capacity to
control important pests like whitefly and pink bollworm with better use of spraying techniques
and knowledge about best products for controlling important pests and disease.
Training of cotton growers/dealers about important aspects should be mandatory i.e.
production technology of cotton varieties, spraying techniques, clean picking, and
installation/usefulness of PB ropes. Amendments in the Pesticides Ordinance to make bound the
dealers about sale of pesticides on the recommendations of Agriculture Department.A system is
required to train the pesticide applicatorsand award them the training certificates. Only certified
individuals should be allowed to make the pesticide applications. Should start this system now.

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11.4 Development of Model Farms
One of the best ways of transferring latest production technology of the variety to the
farmers is the establishment of Model Farms at union council level. These farms may be
supervised by Agriculture Extension department in consultation with experts of cotton. The
pesticide, fertilizer and seed industry should also be bound to establish demonstration plots at
least at tehsil level.

11.5 Ideo-type Varieties for Mechanical Picking

Promotion of mechanical picking is a way forward for solution of this problem for which
ideo-types/short stature varieties should be developed suitable for mechanical picking on
priority basis. Also, efficient mechanical pickers may be introduced using some effective model
like service providers. By adopting yield competition technique farmers will be encouraged to
adopt best management practices for enhancing their per acre yield, ultimately increasing total
yield of Punjab.

11.6 Farm Mechanization

Farm mechanization is the most important component of precision agriculture. Majority
of the farmers in Punjab are using old and outdated farm mac
hinery i.e. lack of laser land
levelling, deep ploughing machinery, and spraying and harvesting machinery etc. For lowering
cost of production and enhancing cotton production, we need to develop advanced farm
machinery starting from sowing to harvesting using modern farm machinery.
11.7. Economic Empowerment
More than 80% farmers have less than 5 acres and they have deficient resources for better
management of crop because of economic constraints. They mostly rely on dealers and
commission agents for input supply on credit and hence, the operations needed for better crop
management are not performed in time, and ultimately the yield is reduced.
This can be further enhanced by improving general rural infrastructure, rural hygiene
sanitation infrastructure, and expansion of well-targeted social safety networking, improved
health and education services.

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11.8. Access to credit
More than 80% farmers have less than 5 acres. They are resource deficient and do not
have the economic capacity to purchase inputs and timely field operations for better
management of cotton crop. Presently government is giving loans to the farmers but the
procedure is complex and many farmers are deprived of this facility. The government should
adopt easy procedure for extending loan and it is also suggested that the present domain of
farmers may be extended to benefit maximum number of growers.
For further effectiveness of the institutional loan it is important to; i) the interest rate
charged on institutional credit should be reduced up to the extent that the farming community is
willing to utilized it, ii) Procedure of advancing loan should be made simple, so that more
farmers can be benefited from it and iii) in time availability of credit should be ensured for
timely purchase of the required inputs.
11.9. Capacity Building of the Extension Staff
Capacity building of the Extension Staff particularly Field Assistants & Beldars etc. is
essential for acquiring knowledge about basic problems of cotton growers. This is a vital step
for transmitting knowledge to common growers in simple and understandable way to enhance
their crop yield capacity. The field staff must have the knowledge on crop agronomy and of
identification and life cycle of important pests like whitefly and pink bollworm and the spraying
techniques for their effective control. Field staff should have the knowledge on observation
skills on external factors favoring epidemics. In addition, field staff should have knowledge
about the product chemistries, mode of actions and should guide farmers on proper spraying
techniques and responsible / safe use of pesticides. Moreover, the shortage of funds and vehicles
possess great hindrance for efficient working. Limited vehicles are also problem in mobility.
11.10. Exploring New Areas for Cotton Cultivation
Owing to multiple cropping patterns particularly in Faisalabad, Sahiwal & Multan
divisions, the cotton area in these divisions has shown significant shrinkage and cotton is
becoming costly crop because of increased pest pressure and diseases. Farmers have switched to
other crops. Under these circumstances, exploring new areas like Potohar, Miawali and
Cholistan for cotton cultivation is long term strategy for sustainability of cotton production in
Punjab.
11.11. Promotion of Public Private Partnership
Public Private Partnership model is very successful in the advanced countries. In the
scenario of limited resources available with our Government, it becomes imperative to promote

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public private partnership for accelerating pace of research work and provision of quality seed to
the growers.
11.12. Use of satellite for exact estimate of cotton area
There is always a question mark on area under cotton crop as reported by Crop
Reporting Services and Agri Extension department which affects actual cotton production of the
province. The technical support for estimation of precise area under cotton crop, should be taken
from SUPARCO.
11.13. Reduction in cost of production
Cost of production can be reduced by the factors like;
➢ Increasing yield per acre through development of climate resilient varieties.
➢ Reduction in pesticide use/sprays by promoting plants extracts/bio-pesticides
➢ Local manufacturing of pesticides
➢ Increasing water use efficiency.
11.14. Capacity building of existing Research Centers and Establishment of Centre of
Excellence for Cotton Research and Development
The existing institutes working on Cotton are not well equipped with the latest
technologies and expertise. It is further added the world has switched from conventional to
molecular breeding to cope up with the emerging cotton issues. It is therefore very essential to lay
emphasis on capacity building of research centers i.e. establishment of latest molecular labs, and
training of the scientists on latest technologies.
There are different institutes working on cotton with separate departments for each
discipline, which are lacking coordination among the departments resulting in insignificant
performance. Hence, it is proposed that Centre of Excellence for Cotton Research and
Development may be established in Multan.
Need to relook into the cotton working group in Punajb including the breeders,
agronomists, Pathologists, Entomologists etc.
Need to develop the clear objectives for the cotton group with time line.
Need to define the new cotton varieties features, fiber characteristics, plant shape, level of
resistance to diseases and insects.
Now biotechnology is there to design and develop a plant as per our requirement. Let us
plan for the next 50 years to make the impossible to possible. Have to look for such
peoples as the peoples are there available in Pakistan. For dramatic change, pls. ignore the
stories.
Responsibility: Agriculture Department (Govt. of Punjab)

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12. Unification of CCRI and CRI Multan

Two main institutes i.e. Central Cotton Research Institute, Multan(CCRI under Fedral
Ministry of National Food Security & Research) and Cotton Research Institute (Punjab
Agriculture Department) are working on cotton with the common mandate of development of
cotton varieties, located in the same vicinity (on the opposite sides of Old Shujabad Road Multan).
For better utilization of technical man power (scientists), resources and infrastructure, the
unification these two research institutes under the administrative control of Punjab Agriculture
Department will helpful in accelerating research work for enhancing the cotton productivity.
Modalities for unification can decided at minster/secretary level.

13. Future working system of cotton crop (Next 50 years)

Enhancing collaboration of Genetic engineering groups as CEMB + NIBGE + Directorate
of Agri. Biotechnology Research Institute, AARI + Directorate of Cotton Punjab + CCRI,
Multan.
Plan to develop short stature, short duration cotton varieties for specific areas.
Plan to develop hybrid cotton with low water requirement, long duration,and high staple
quality.
Plan to develop extra-long staple cotton for future requirement of the textile industry.
Develop, Screen & maintain CLCV & Fusarium resistant germplasm.
Train & Develop the cotton team with new breeding/variety development techniques
including the cotton breeders, cotton entomologists, cotton agronomists and the
supporting staff. (Human resource development)
14. Actionable items during 2021
1. High profile meetings of cotton lovers in March- April.
2. Identification of and responsibility assignment of special services to these cotton lovers by
the department and industry.
3. Collection and sharing of data regarding availability of certified seed (variety wise).
4. New triple gene technology is being launched by two groups. They should be asked to
share its launching strategy and availability of seed (quantity of seed produced and offered
for sale), agronomic data etc. and alsoverify from FSC&RD.
5. Make a user friendly mobile app for monitoring of whitefly and PBW.

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 STRATEGY FOR REVIVAL
OF COTTON
Table 10 short, medium and long term strategies for revival of cotton
Activity/ Task Responsibility
Short Term
➢ Announcement of intervention price Agriculture Department (Punjab Govt.) + Min.
for stability of prices NFS&R, Govt. of Pakistan
➢ Subsidy on fertilizers and pesticides Ministry of National Food Security & Research,
and PB ropes. Agriculture Department Punjab
➢ Off-Season management of Pink DG Agri Ext., DG PW&QCP, Director Agri
bollworm and whitefly information
➢ Approval and commercialization of Agriculture Department (Punjab), and Ministry of
cotton varieties recommended by Climate Change/National Biosafety Committee.
experts sub-committee
➢ Ensuring provision of quality seed DG FSC&RD, MD PSC,
and pesticides / weedicides
DG PW&QCP
➢ Training of cotton growers/dealers VC MNSUAM, DG Agri Ext.
about production technology of
& AR, DG PW&QCP
cotton varieties, spraying techniques
and installation/usefulness of PB
ropes
➢ Enhancing Research funding Agriculture Department
Punjab Govt.
➢ Ensuring availability of irrigation of Federal and Provincial Government
water at the sowing time
➢ Clean picking DG Agri Ext. & AR, Director Information
➢ Hiring of foreign consultant for Agriculture Department, Punjab Govt, Min.
diagnostic analysis of decline in NFS&R, Federal Govt
cotton production
➢ Import of leaf defoliant and mepiquat Agriculture Department, Punjab Govt, Min.
chloride NFS&R, Federal Govt, PCPA,Crop Life

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 ➢ Estimation of cotton area through DG Agri. Ext., Punjab
satellite
➢ Enhancing research funding Ministry of National Food Security & Research,
Agriculture Department Punjab
Medium term
➢ Production of early generation seed Public sector and private seed companies
➢ Acquisition of advance Bt. + Ministry of National Food Security & Research,
Glyphosate resistant technology Agriculture Department Punjab
➢ Strengthening of Punjab Seed Agriculture Department
Corporation
Punjab Government
➢ Capacity building of private seed Agriculture Department
companies
Punjab Government
➢ Development of “Model Farms” Agriculture Department
Punjab Government
➢ Development of machinery for AMRI-Multan
destruction of leftover bolls in field
➢ Insecticide resistance management CRI Multan, MNSUAM, UAF, CCRI, Ento. Res.
studies Institute
➢ Construction of ponds and mini dams Agriculture Department, Punjab
for storing rainfall water
Long Term
➢ Development of Climate resilient DG Agr. Res., Dir. CRI Multan
varieties
➢ Launching comprehensive IPM for DG PW&QCP
Pink bollworm and whitefly
➢ Development of male sterile PBW VC MNSUAM
technology for the area wide
management of PBW in
collaboration with Rothamsted
Research UK
➢ Local research on male sterile PBW VC MNSUAM, Dir. Entomology
technology
➢ Local manufacturing and availability VC MNSUAM & PRIVATE SECTOR
of pheromone pesticides and PB
ropes
➢ Increasing water use efficiency DG PW&QCP, Dir. Entomology

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➢ Mechanization
➢ Improving Soil Health
➢ Crop zoning
➢ Mechanical picking
➢ Public private partnership
➢ Exploring new areas for cotton Agriculture Department,
cultivation
➢ Construction of dams
DG Agri Ext. & AR
Agriculture Department
Punjab Government
Ministry of National Food Security & Research,
Agriculture Department, Punjab Government
Agriculture Department, Punjab Government
Agriculture Department, Punjab Government
Punjab & Federal
Government
Federal Government.
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