Agriculture experts in Pakistan have advised cotton farmers to complete the cultivation of genetically modified (GM) varieties, known as BT cotton, during the current month of April.

A spokesperson for the Agriculture Extension Department stated, a vital crop for Pakistan, cotton plays a key role in boosting the national economy through increased textile exports.

This encourages the government to focus on expanding the area dedicated to cotton cultivation. In this regard, the agriculture department has granted special incentives to cotton growers, along with the distribution of agricultural equipment, he added.

Noting the release of official recommendations for cultivation of approved BT cotton varieties in addition to specifying the optimal planting window, the spokesperson advised farmers to finish planting cotton within April, as it is the prime time for achieving a bumper harvest of this crop.

He also recommended that growers cultivate approved BT varieties, including IUB-13, CKC-1, CKC-3, Hatf-3, Saim032, Saim-102, IUB-222, BS-20, MNH-1020, NIAB 545, CIM-663, NIAB-878, NIAB-1048, FH-490, IR-NIBGE-II, and BS-15. For non-BT varieties, NIAB-Kiran has been recommended by the experts, he added.

Further, the spokesperson emphasized the necessity of reserving at least 10 per cent of the cultivated area for non-BT cotton varieties to prevent the development of pest resistance in harmful insects, particularly against BT cotton.

He advised farmers to select both BT and non-BT cotton varieties based on local soil type, water availability, and guidance from local agricultural extension agents.

He stated, for optimal results, the agriculture department recommended planting on raised beds, either using mechanical methods or manual placement after forming the ridges.