ISLAMABAD, May 4: Federal Minister for Food and Agriculture Khair Mohammad Junejo said cotton cultivation area required substantial increase to cope with growing problem of water shortage.

In an interview here on Saturday, the minister said thrust was being laid on enhancing cotton cultivation in the areas facing problem of water shortage.

He said cotton required less water as compare to some other crops and an awareness among the farmers, in this connection, was vital to enable them to opt for better results.

He said a survey of different areas had been conducted to analyze the situation which revealed that soil and climatic conditions of certain areas were favourable for cotton growing.

He said the agriculture department was working out a strategy to meet challenges of the prevailing situation by disseminating knowledge about cultivation of less water consuming crops.— APP