Seeds and pesticides: local companies' monopoly affects cotton yield

Local cottonseed and pesticides companies have got monopoly as they have barred import and introduction of internationally certified cottonseeds, to promote poor quality locally produced seeds. Well-placed sources told Business Recorder on Tuesday that the government was supporting local seeds and pesticides manufacturers, however, they maintained that this support was not justified given the local manufacturers have yet to develop BT cotton more than a decade after it was introduced internationally.
More than 70 percent of cotton growers are still ignorant of the use of BT cotton in cotton-intensive areas, sources added. Indian cotton production was 14.5 million bales in 2001; however, after the introduction of BT cotton, it doubled to hit 34.5 million bales mark by 2010. Similarly, China has also introduced BT cotton, but in Pakistan introduction of BT cotton has been delayed time and again.
Pakistan is currently producing 604-kg cotton per hectare against 1250-kg per hectare in China; therefore immediate steps are required to increase cotton production per hectare locally. The government should take initiative to increase yield and introduce new seeds to enhance per acre yield, sources added. Failure to develop BT cotton in Pakistan is not only instrumental in low cotton production, but also costing the exchequer dearly, sources maintained.
The textile ministry has time and again requested the government to allow introduction of BT cotton but it has failed to introduce certified seeds in the country. Sources said that sub-standard seed of cotton is damaging cotton crop while seed mafia is pocketing billions of rupees.
The ministry of agriculture under which cotton growing is administered has not done well in increasing the yield. Similarly, all matters related to cotton growing are directly linked to textiles, value added textile sector as well as Aptma, which has proposed to the government that cotton growing should be shifted from the ministry of agriculture to the ministry of textile.
Textile stakeholders have also proposed to set up a research cell aimed at increasing cotton yield by co-operating with, motivating and monitoring the farmers to increase yields. In this regard research cell for cotton must work to ensure that good and proper seeds are planted and study of the fertility of the land is also carried out to maximise yield. Cotton is white gold of Pakistan and steps should be taken to increase its yield.
With introduction of BT cotton, damage to cotton by bollworms would be reduced. A crop that requires spray 10 times would then require a spray 3 to 4 times while production would double.
Last year eight varieties namely FH-113, Neelum - 121, Sitara-OOB, MG-6, AA-703, A.A-B02, NIBGE-IR-1524, NEHGE-IR-3701 and one hybrid G-N20B5 were approved by Punjab Seed Council for general cultivation. This year 2011 nine new cotton varieties originating from public and private sector have been recommended by the expert sub-committee to the Punjab Seed Council. However, these are less effective as compared to BT cottonseed, sources maintained.