CCRI research land: PBF urges CM to halt proposed Gymkhana summary

LAHORE: The Pakistan Business Forum (PBF) has urged the Chief Minister Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, to reconsider the proposed establishment of a Gymkhana on 15 acres of land currently utilized by the Central Cotton Research Institute (CCRI) Multan for the exclusivity of cotton research purposes.

In a formal communication addressed to the Chief Minister, PBF expressed serious concern over the proposal reportedly initiated by the District Administration Multan for the construction of a recreational facility on research land leased to CCRI Multan since 1970.

The Forum highlighted that the Government of Punjab had originally allocated around 115 acres of land on Multan–Shujabad Road exclusively for cotton research and development. Over the years, CCRI Multan has played a vital role in Pakistan’s agricultural economy by developing improved cotton varieties that have significantly enhanced productivity and crop yields for farmers in South Punjab and Sindh.

PBF highlighted the success of cotton variety “Cyto-547,” which secured first position in the Punjab-wide cotton trials conducted in 2023. The Forum further noted that another notable variety, “CRIS-682,” received approval for a Plant Breeder Certificate in 2025 and is now cultivated on nearly 40 percent of cotton-growing land in Sindh province. According to PBF, these achievements reflect the remarkable research contributions of CCRI Multan toward strengthening Pakistan’s cotton sector.

The Forum stated that these achievements underscore the strategic importance of CCRI Multan in strengthening Pakistan’s cotton sector, ensuring agricultural sustainability, and supporting the country’s agro-based economy.

PBF further emphasized that the entire leased land has been developed and maintained through decades of scientific research, experimentation, and institutional investment by CCRI Multan.

Any reduction in this research area, the Forum warned, could adversely impact ongoing and future agricultural research activities of national significance.

PBF President Khawaja Mehboob ur Rehman further noted with concern that Pakistan’s cotton cultivation has dropped to a nearly four-decade low, posing serious challenges to the country’s textile industry, exports, and agricultural economy.

The Forum emphasized that all stakeholders, including the Government, research institutions, farmers, and the business community, must collectively pledge and work toward increasing national cotton production to at least 15 million bales annually. In such circumstances, preserving valuable agricultural research land and strengthening institutions like CCRI Multan is of critical national importance.

In this regard Pakistan business forum has urged the Government of Punjab to preserve the research land and withdraw the proposed plan for the Multan Gymkhana in the larger national interest.

The Forum maintained that safeguarding agricultural research institutions is essential for promoting cotton cultivation, food security, and sustainable economic growth.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026