Report: ANI :
ISLAMABAD –Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Kisan Wing has called for an immediate National Cotton Revival Policy, saying years of inadequate attention and inconsistent government policies have contributed to the decline of the country's cotton sector.
The demand was made by PTI Kisan Wing Central Information Secretary Khalid Nawaz Sadhraich in a statement on Friday, expressing concern over the continued deterioration of cotton production.
Referring to Thursday's meeting chaired by the Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research to review the Cotton Revival Strategy, Sadhraich said routine meetings and announcements were insufficient without a comprehensive, time-bound and result-oriented action plan.
He said Pakistan's cotton crisis was the result of years of institutional negligence, policy inconsistency and failure to address farmers' concerns. Key challenges included poor seed quality, limited availability of modern varieties, pest attacks, rising production costs, low returns, inadequate research and weak agricultural extension services.
Sadhraich stressed that cotton revival required a broader strategy covering research, improved seeds, pest management, water availability, climate resilience, farmer profitability and technology transfer.
He warned that declining cotton production was affecting farmers' livelihoods and posing risks to Pakistan's textile industry, rural employment, agricultural exports and foreign exchange earnings.
The PTI Kisan Wing leader urged federal and provincial governments to jointly introduce a comprehensive Cotton Revival Programme with measurable production targets, dedicated funding, clearly defined institutional responsibilities and regular public reporting.
He emphasized that the government must address the practical concerns of cotton growers and translate policy commitments into tangible action in the fields.
