March 26, 2003	Wednesday	Muharram 22, 1424

KARACHI, March 25: The Federal Minister for Food, Agriculture and Livestock, Sardar Yar Mohammad Khan Rind, has stressed upon the research organizations to evolve high-yielding, virus-resistant and long-staple cotton varieties for both quantitative and qualitative improvement in country’s cotton production.

This he stated while chairing a high-level meeting at Pakistan Central Cotton Committee here on Tuesday.

The meeting discussed issues related to cotton and oil seed crops, said a statement on Tuesday.

On the occasion the minister was briefed on the current world and domestic cotton situation and the projected scenario for the coming season.

He was informed that in order to encourage cotton cultivation in Balochistan and NWFP, the government and PCCC were providing all possible support including necessary implements worth Rs3.7 million to the agriculture departments of the two provinces.

The minister observed that per hectare yield of cotton in the country was comparatively much lower than many other countries and there was a vast scope to enhance it significantly.

He appreciated the endeavours being made by the PCCC for boosting cotton productivity.

The minister assured all possible support from the government and also highlighted the necessity of timely arrangements for inputs and technology transfer for realizing a good harvest next season.

Rind was also briefed on the current situation of edible oil seeds and the growing of palm oil.

He was informed that there was a need of extraction mill for palm oil in Thatta area.

The minister emphasised the need of popularizing cultivation of oil crops in order to avoid huge expenditure on its import.

He also agreed to consider the proposal for setting up of extraction mill in Thatta area.—APP