Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) chairman Tariq Ikram has urged upon agricultural scientists to re-orient their research in view of the demands of world markets.
Addressing agricultural experts at the Central Cotton Research Institute (CCRI) here on Friday, the EPB chief said, "exports can not be increased unless product quality is improved through pursuit of the latest scientific research." He called upon the agricultural experts to aim for an export target beyond the $12 billion mark.
CCRI director Mohammad Islam Gill briefed the EPB chairman on the ongoing research work on cotton.
He said: "The main objective of the Institute is to breed and evolve more cotton-seed varieties that are virus-resistant, ensure higher per acre yield, and possess longer staple and better quality and quantity lint content with minimal production costs."
He informed the EPB chief that the extensive research carried out at the CCRI had paid handsome dividends and that the per acre cotton output had reached 40 maunds, and even beyond.
He said the development of early-maturing cotton varieties had provided more time to the succeeding wheat crop, resulting in more of the golden grain yield.
Tariq Ikram lauded the work done by the agriculture scientists, which have led to great progress in the agri sector and paid rich dividends to the farmers.