PM approves restructuring of PCCC for increasing cotton production
01 August, 2006
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has approved the restructuring of Pakistan Central Cotton Committee (PCCC) to make it a more efficient, viable and independent organization geared to improve the growth, marketing and the manufacture of cotton. The Prime Minister made the decision while chairing a meeting at the PM’s House Monday to review Cotton R&D Framework & Restructuring of Pakistan Central Cotton Committee (PCCC). The meeting was attended by Minister for Food & Agriculture Mr. Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan, Minister for Textile Industries, Mr. Mushtaq Ali Cheema, Minister of State for Food & Agriculture Mr. Muhammad Ali Malkani, Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Dr. Muhammad Akram Sheikh senior officers of the federal and provincial governments, representatives of APTMA, ginning association, growers from various parts of the country and officials of research institutes. The Prime Minister gave guidelines about the restructuring of the PCCC. He said the objective of the government is to increase production of the cotton and enhance farmers income which is possible if PCCC makes improvements in different stages of cotton production cycle particularly,better seeds, fighting crop diseases and better crop pattern. "Prosperity of farmers particularly small farmers is our objective and PCCC should focus on increasing yield through better seeds, extension services, better cropping pattern, soil testing and use of biotechnology", the Prime Minister said. The Prime Minister said that there is some improvement in cotton yield but more needs to be done. Cotton crop has a trickle down effect on the economy as a large number of people are connected to various segments of the textile industry, the Prime Minister said. He asked the PCCC to expedite upgrading of Central Cotton Research Institute (CCRI), Multan to an international institute, initiate concerted program for human resources development and intensify collaboration with international cotton research establishment. The Prime Minister emphasized the need for cutting edge research which should be done in a coordinated manner to avoid duplication and to achieve the best result. "Collaboration, coordination and cohesiveness between federal and provincial government and various research institutes is vital to get the best results", the Prime Minister said. The Prime Minister showed concern over slow pace of implementation of Bio-safety guideline and emphasized the need to expedite the process. The Prime Minister said that although the existing cooperation between growers, ginners, spinners and textile mills is satisfactory. All stakeholders need to further improve coordination to adjust their strategies according to the changes taking place around the world. He said Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock (MINFAL) should coordinate with provincial governments for zoning of land and crop rotation for optimum use of land. The MINFAL in its presentation said the objective of cotton R&D strategy is higher productivity and improve quality which will be achieved through a number of steps including demand driven R&D, adoption of modern technologies & disciplines, enhanced capabilities for biotechnology,biological control and virology, promoting of cotton cultivation in Balochistan and improved governance of cotton research establishments. The MINFAL informed the meeting the PCCC will pursue fast-track approval of NIBGE developed varieties of cotton. It will encourage private sector to invest in seed production and will try to bring about 25% cultivated area by 2009-10 under Bt cotton. Virus resistant varieties will be made available by 2008-09 and the capacity of virology institutions will be strengthened.
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