ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is considering a fast-track approval mechanism for imported cotton seed and improved access to international genetic resources as part of efforts to revive declining cotton production, lower farming costs and strengthen the textile sector.
Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain announced the proposed measures during a high-level meeting on the country’s cotton revival strategy.
The meeting reviewed declining cotton cultivation and production, particularly in Punjab, where lower yields, rising input costs and reduced profitability have encouraged farmers to switch to sugarcane, maize and other crops.
Cotton Leaf Curl Virus, pest infestations, climate variability, poor-quality seeds and inadequate mechanisation were identified as major challenges facing the sector.
The proposed three-pronged strategy focuses on strengthening locally developed cotton seeds, facilitating imports of improved varieties and introducing faster approval procedures for foreign seed technologies.
The minister directed the Department of Plant Protection (DPP) to expedite pending Pest Risk Analyses (PRAs) and Controlled Import Permits (CIPs) to facilitate access to international cotton seed technologies while maintaining phytosanitary safeguards.
A proposed fast-track mechanism would reduce the approval period for imported cotton seeds to 12–18 months, compared with approximately seven years under existing procedures. The proposal will be examined within the current legal and regulatory framework without compromising scientific testing, biosecurity or biosafety requirements.
The meeting also reviewed engagement with China, Türkiye, Syria, Kenya, the United States, Mexico, Kyrgyzstan and Australia. The DPP informed participants that China had submitted its technical dossier, although additional information had been requested. Progress with several other countries remained dependent on their responses.
To strengthen domestic research, the meeting decided to establish a three-member committee comprising representatives of the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), the National Seed Development and Regulatory Authority (NSDRA) and the Pakistan Central Cotton Committee (PCCC), led by PARC.
The committee will identify technical requirements, funding needs and arrangements for acquiring international cotton germplasm. Mechanisms will also be developed to allow private seed companies to access suitable genetic resources held by public research institutions.
Participants called for stronger accountability in public-sector cotton research, including performance-based evaluations, clearly defined key performance indicators and incentives for breeders developing high-yielding, commercially viable and climate-resilient varieties.
The meeting discussed regulatory requirements for genetically modified and Bt cotton varieties, emphasising that relevant biosafety clearances must be obtained from authorities under the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination. Issues requiring higher-level policy decisions may be referred to the prime minister.
The minister also directed NSDRA and relevant institutions to accelerate the processing of promising cotton varieties identified through trials and facilitate the availability of basic seed.
Participants stressed that varieties should be evaluated according to their performance in specific agro-climatic regions rather than solely against uniform national criteria.
Mechanisation was another key focus, with discussions covering single-pick cotton varieties and mechanical harvesting technologies to reduce production costs and address labour shortages. Relevant institutions were asked to examine dedicated testing standards for varieties suitable for mechanical picking, while the taxation of agricultural machinery was identified for review.
The meeting also highlighted opportunities in sustainable and traceable cotton production, including organic cotton and potential carbon-credit mechanisms, to improve Pakistan’s competitiveness in international markets.
Concluding the meeting, Rana Tanveer Hussain directed the relevant institutions to prioritise implementation of the agreed measures and submit actionable proposals and recommendations to the ministry.