ISLAMABAD: The ‘Enhancing cotton germplasm, improving resistance to cotton leaf curl virus disease and supporting cotton best management practices for small farmers project’ has enabled researchers in Pakistan to work under one umbrella with the aim of overcoming the leaf curl virus, Minister for National Food Security and Research, Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan said on Tuesday.
He was addressing a sustainability meeting of the project which comes to an end next month. The project is being run in Pakistan by the US Department of Agriculture through International Centre for Agricultural Research in Dry Areas (ICARDA).
Mr Bosan said the importance of cotton was magnified when last year’s short cotton production affected growth figures by 0.5 per cent.
Though Pakistan is keen on the continuation of the project, USDA officials indicated the extension is based on the fact if it created a positive impact on the country’s cotton production.
USDA Research Leader, Dr Brian Scheffler said the project is now on sound footing and we plan to work further in Pakistan.
Chairman of Pakistan Agricultural Research Council Dr Yusuf Zafar said though the project is ending, discussions are underway for the continuation of the project.
“The government is ready to finance some projects since cotton is a major cash crop for farmers. The government will support cotton projects with loans worth Rs85 million,” he said.
Country Manager ICARDA Dr Abdul Majid emphasised the need for developing awareness of leaf and plant diseases.
Research leader of USDA in Pakistan Dr Jodi Scheffler also called for best management practices to reduce the chance of viral infection.
Cotton Commissioner, Dr Khalid Abdullah termed the project successful, stressing its positive impact.
Published in Dawn, May 17th, 2017
Dear visitor, the comments section is undergoing an overhaul and will return soon.