HYDERABAD: Pakistan’s agriculture sector is facing critical challenge as cotton production continues to decline, certified seed availability remains limited, and crop diseases are spreading across major farms, prompting experts, farmer leaders, and private sector stakeholders to call for urgent coordinated action.
These concerns were highlighted during the 17th Coordination Committee meeting of the Seed Production & Development Centre (SPDC) held at Sindh Agriculture University (SAU), Tandojam, chaired by Vice Chancellor Engr. Prof. Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal.
Participants noted that Pakistan’s cotton output has fallen sharply in recent years, with national seed cotton arrivals standing at 5.45 million bales in 2024–25, down from historical highs of over 14 million bales, indicating a steep decline in production, particularly in Sindh and Punjab.
Addressing the meeting, Dr. Siyal emphasized that the shortage of certified seed remains a major constraint not only for cotton but also for wheat and other key crops. He stated that the university is actively conducting research on high-yield and disease-resistant varieties and is playing a pivotal role in connecting research institutions, regulatory authorities, and the private sector. “Sustainable solutions can only be achieved through collective efforts to ensure quality seed reaches farmers directly,” he added.
Zahid Hussain Bhurgri, Acting President of the Sindh Chamber of Agriculture, warned that the lack of high-yield, disease-resistant, and climate-resilient seeds has made cotton cultivation increasingly unviable and has reduced Pakistan’s share in global cotton markets. “Production has fallen from nearly 14.1 million bales in past peak seasons to just 5.2–5.4 million bales, making immediate institutional support crucial,” he said, praising the quality of seeds produced at the SPDC farm and urging that research outcomes be disseminated to farmers through seminars and field days.
Dr. Hayat Ullah Tareen, Director Enforcement at the Federal Seed Certification & Registration Department (FSC&RD), lauded the successful production of foundation seeds for wheat, cotton, and mustard and recommended establishing certified plant nurseries at SAU’s Latif Farm under federal registration to strengthen the national seed system.
Meanwhile, Seyed Adil Rashidi, leader of the Sindh Farmers Board, raised concerns over poor-quality tomato seeds causing financial losses for farmers, while market rates remain unfairly set.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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