Hybrid cotton: hope or trial

In the context of cotton revival in Pakistan, the issue of hybrid seeds has once again gained significant importance. When past experiences, recent developments, and expert opinions are collectively examined, it becomes evident that this sector demands a balanced, scientific, and phased strategy. Historically, Pakistan has conducted various experiments with imported cotton seeds. In the 1960s, varieties introduced from the United States, such as Deltapine and Stoneville, were tested in areas of Multan, including Kot Abbas Pur (Abbas Pur), Rayasat Pur (rural areas around Multan Public School Road), and Kala Shah Kaku in Sheikhupura. Although some varieties delivered satisfactory yields, they could not achieve large-scale success due to pest pressure, diseases, and the heavy reliance on agricultural pesticides. Later, in 2007, hybrid cotton trials recorded yield improvements of up to 86 percent, generating considerable optimism. However, this success remained confined to limited and controlled trials and could not be replicated across millions of acres nationwide. Over time, extreme heat, heatwaves, and erratic rainfall have further complicated cotton cultivation. Consequently, after 2010, certain trials of hybrid varieties showed below-expected performance, reinforcing concerns among experts. However, following the lifting of the ban on imported hybrid cotton seeds in 2025, a new development has emerged. Trials involving Chinese, Ethiopian, and Pakistan–China joint hybrid varieties have shown preliminary results of more than 30 percent yield improvement along with better climatic adaptability. Nevertheless, these experiments are still being conducted on a limited scale of approximately 125 acres. According to experts, there remains a significant gap between trial success and practical field performance. Emerging challenges include new strains of Cotton Leaf Curl Virus (CLCV), the spread of whitefly, and increasing climatic stress. Furthermore, issues such as maintaining genetic purity of hybrid seeds and the farmers’ dependence on purchasing new seeds every year remain highly significant. This is because hybrid seeds do not retain their productive characteristics in subsequent generations, making it impossible for farmers to reuse saved seed for the next crop cycle without loss of yield and quality. Therefore, experts emphasize that instead of immediately scaling up limited trial results to the national level, these varieties must undergo multi-location and multi-year trials, rigorous scientific testing, field verification, and a proper regulatory framework to ensure sustainability, adaptability, and economic viability. In recent developments, the government has taken this decision following persistent demands from certain stakeholders who consider imported hybrid seeds essential to address declining per-acre yields of locally developed varieties. The government has approved the import of hybrid cotton seeds under strict conditions, allowing imports strictly on a trial basis. Under the newly issued SOPs, importers are permitted to bring in seeds; however, they must undergo successful cultivation across multiple cotton zones for a period of two years and obtain certification from relevant authorities before commercial imports are allowed. The primary objective is to ensure that only those varieties are introduced at the national level that demonstrate strong resistance to Cotton Leaf Curl Virus, extreme heat, water stress, and other diseases, in addition to meeting standards of fiber length, strength, and overall quality. However, due to delays in the issuance of SOPs, the current sowing season is almost over; and therefore the practical impact of this policy during the current year is expected to remain minimal. The policy restricts participation to registered seed companies and research institutions only, excluding individuals and unauthorized entities. The reality is that if hybrid cotton is introduced in a scientific, cautious, and phased manner, it can potentially bring a significant transformation to the sector. Lessons from past experiences indicate that the gap between small-scale success and sustainable farmer-level adoption can only be bridged through continuous research, data-driven policymaking, alignment with ground realities, and adequate farmer training. Alongside this, fundamental challenges such as climate change, pest pressure, and crop competition must also be addressed to place the cotton sector back on a stable and sustainable footing. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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