LAHORE: Cotton plays a pivotal role in Pakistan’s national security and survival, according to Prof Dr Muhammad Ali, Vice Chancellor of Punjab University. He made these remarks during the inaugural ceremony of the International Cotton Conference 2025, held at the Punjab University Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology. The event coincided with World Cotton Day and took place at Sheikh Riazuddin Auditorium.
The conference gathered experts from across the globe, including representatives from America, China, Australia, Turkiye, Azerbaijan, Central Asia, and Bangladesh. Addressing the attendees, Prof Dr Muhammad Ali emphasized the importance of efficient land use in agriculture and lamented the diminishing profitability of the sector. He stressed the need for government investment to tackle the agricultural crisis and noted that expensive production has limited cotton cultivation to larger farmers.
Prof Dr Ali also expressed concern over potential challenges facing wheat, drawing parallels to the current situation with cotton. He highlighted the damage recent floods have caused to various crops.
Dr Osama Rayis from the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development discussed the integration of digital transformation in sustainable agriculture. Prof Dr Kausar Abdullah Malik addressed the historical impact of the Cotton Leaf Curl Virus on Pakistan’s cotton industry and praised the scientific research that helped mitigate its effects.
Dr Khalid Hameed, Chairman of the Tara Group of Pakistan, identified climate change, water scarcity, and outdated farming methods as significant challenges. He noted that seeds developed by CEMB are extensively cultivated in Punjab.
Syed Nadeem Shah, President of the Sindh Seed Association, reported that 80 percent of Sindh’s cotton fields now use seeds developed by Punjab University. He also mentioned the relief efforts for flood victims facilitated by the Chief Minister of Punjab.
Prof Dr Muaz-ur-Rehman concluded the conference by acknowledging the participants and reaffirming CEMB’s commitment to advancing agricultural reforms in Pakistan. The event concluded with the presentation of shields to distinguished guests.