Pakistan-China Ties Open New Era for Cotton Research and Mechanisation: Adeel Munawar

By Dr. Ansab Ali
Lahore, Pakistan

LAHORE: Pakistan’s cotton sector has immense potential to regain its position as a major driver of the national economy through scientific farming practices, technological innovation, and enhanced cooperation with China, said Adeel Munawar, Commercial Ambassador of the Pakistan-China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI).

Speaking at a meeting held at the PCJCCI Secretariat on Monday, Adeel Munawar noted that Pakistan produced only 5.6 million bales of cotton during the last season, the lowest output recorded in the past three decades.

He said Pakistan possesses all the essential ingredients for a thriving cotton industry, including strong genetic potential, vast cultivation areas, experienced farmers, and a large textile sector that depends heavily on locally produced cotton. However, he stressed that the sector’s challenges stem not from a lack of capability but from inconsistent adoption of science-based crop management practices.

According to him, growers who follow recommended agronomic practices—including timely sowing, balanced nutrient application, efficient irrigation, integrated pest management (IPM), disease prevention, weed control, crop stage-based management, and careful harvesting—consistently achieve higher yields, improved boll formation, cleaner fibre, and better-quality cotton.

Adeel Munawar said research conducted in Punjab and Sindh has shown that differences in crop management, rather than climate alone, are the primary reason for variations in productivity. He explained that fields with balanced nitrogen application, proper irrigation management, early control of whitefly infestations, and effective prevention of pink bollworm consistently outperform neighbouring farms growing the same cotton varieties.

He emphasized that cotton production in Pakistan is a management-driven crop rather than one dependent on chance. Since cotton is highly sensitive to temperature, humidity, and daylight hours, understanding the climatic conditions of each production zone is essential for effective planning and higher productivity.

Highlighting opportunities for bilateral cooperation, Adeel Munawar said Pakistani cotton possesses excellent heat resistance, while Chinese cotton varieties are known for their high yield and superior fibre quality. He said the germplasm resources of both countries complement each other and that Pakistan and China could jointly test new cotton seed varieties for local adaptability before selecting the most suitable ones for commercial cultivation.

“We are combining the strengths of Chinese and Pakistani cotton genetics to develop improved cotton varieties,” he said, describing the initiative as a significant example of the growing agricultural collaboration between the two countries.

He further stated that Xinjiang Agricultural University has been collaborating with Pakistani universities on cotton cultivation research for several years. Experimental fields have already been established in Faisalabad, while plans are underway to test mechanical cotton picking in Pakistan.

Referring to China’s experience, he said that mechanisation in the cotton-growing region of North Xinjiang has reached approximately 90 percent, with machine harvesting widely adopted. He added that Xinjiang’s advanced drought-resistant and water-saving technologies, including drip irrigation and plastic mulching, are among the world’s most efficient and could help Pakistan address its current agricultural challenges.

He stressed that greater cooperation between Pakistan and China in research, mechanisation, and technology transfer would significantly enhance cotton production in both countries.

Speaking on the occasion, Salahuddin Hanif, Secretary General of the PCJCCI, said that a modern biotechnology Centre of Excellence laboratory is being established at the Central Cotton Research Institute (CCRI) to strengthen cotton research. He added that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is creating new opportunities for research, innovation, and technological collaboration, paving the way for the development of Pakistan’s cotton sector on modern scientific lines.