LAHORE: Punjab Agriculture Minister Malik Nauman Ahmad Langrial has urged the scientists to develop such cotton varieties which have better fiber quality and more per acre yield than the existing varieties to make it attractive for the growers.

"We need varieties having resistance against whitefly and pink bollworm and needed to be developed at a faster pace for sowing in the field," the Minister said while talking to the scientists of Cotton Research Institute (CRI).

He said the government has taken all out steps to approve the new cotton varieties on fast track basis. However, he said new varieties should be attractive both for growers as well as industrialists.

The minister said Cotton Research Station Multan has been elevated as an institution to conduct research on cotton more effective and buildings of this institute are in the final phase. He called for a strict vigilance of construction work to ensure transparent use of public funds.

CRI Multan Director Sagheer Ahmad briefing the minister on this occasion said new climate-smart cotton varieties are in the final phase of development having resistance against pink bollworm and whitefly. He also informed the minister that a new cotton research station has been completed in Rajanpur and research trials are also being conducted during the current season.

Later, the minister also visited Mango Research Institute and directed the MRI director to ensure achieving the target of clean nursery plants. He said to ensure more shelf life, improved taste and nutrition for increasing mango exports from Pakistan.

Several agriculture department officials including Director General Agriculture (Extension) Dr Anjum Ali, Additional Secretary (Task Force) Rana Ali Arshad, Director General Agriculture (Research) Dr. Abid Mahmood and others were present on this occasion.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020