The government is considering reducing approval time for imported cotton seed from seven years to 12–18 months as it targets higher yields, lower costs and improved farmer profitability.
ISLAMABAD, October 29, 2026: Pakistan has stepped up efforts to revive its declining cotton sector, with the government considering a fast-track approval mechanism for imported cotton seed to improve productivity and strengthen the textile industry.
Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain announced the proposed measures while chairing a high-level meeting on the Cotton Revival Strategy on Thursday.
The minister stressed that cotton cultivation must become economically attractive for farmers through higher yields, quality seed, mechanisation and reduced production costs.
The meeting reviewed declining cotton cultivation and production, particularly in Punjab, where rising costs, lower yields and weak profitability have encouraged farmers to shift towards sugarcane, maize and other competing crops.
Cotton Leaf Curl Virus, pest infestations, climate variability, poor-quality seed and inadequate mechanisation were identified as major challenges.
The proposed revival strategy has three main components: strengthening locally developed cotton seed, facilitating imports of improved varieties and introducing faster regulatory approvals for imported seed.
Fast-track approval under consideration
A key proposal is to reduce the approval period for imported cotton seed to 12–18 months from 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 standards.
The minister directed the Department of Plant Protection (DPP) to expedite pending Pest Risk Analyses and Controlled Import Permits to facilitate access to international seed technologies.
The meeting reviewed engagement with China, Türkiye, Syria, Kenya, the United States, Mexico, Kyrgyzstan and Australia. China has submitted its technical dossier, while additional information has been requested.
Boost for local research and mechanisation
The government also decided to establish a three-member committee comprising the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), National Seed Development and Regulatory Authority (NSDRA) and Pakistan Central Cotton Committee (PCCC), led by PARC, to facilitate access to international cotton germplasm.
The initiative will support research into commercially viable, high-yielding and climate-resilient varieties. Public-sector cotton research will also be strengthened through performance-based accountability and incentives for breeders.
Officials discussed region-specific variety approvals, basic seed availability, single-pick cotton varieties and mechanical harvesting to reduce labour requirements and production costs.
The meeting also examined regulatory requirements for genetically modified and Bt cotton varieties, noting that relevant biosafety clearances must be obtained.
Sustainable and traceable cotton production, including organic cotton and potential carbon-credit opportunities, was highlighted as another avenue for improving Pakistan’s competitiveness in international markets.
Concluding the meeting, Rana Tanveer Hussain directed relevant institutions to prioritise implementation and submit actionable proposals to the ministry.