CABI has strengthened its commitment to working in partnership to help transform Pakistan’s cotton industry by taking part in the First National Conference for Cotton Revival held in Multan.
Dr Babar Bajwa, CABI’s Senior Regional Director, Asia, participated in the event – organized by the Pakistan Central Cotton Committee (PCCC) – which provided a crucial platform for multi-stakeholder dialogue on reviving Pakistan’s cotton sector, particularly in Punjab which is the heartland of the country’s cotton industry.
The event was attended by top policymakers, industry leaders, and international organizations, including Federal Secretary for National Food Security & Research (NFSR), Minister of Agriculture – Punjab, Secretary Agriculture – Punjab, parliamentarians, policymakers, trade bodies, textile industry leaders and international organizations, farming communities and private sector representatives.
Cotton production is at a critical crossroads
Pakistan’s cotton production is at a critical crossroads, facing challenges from climate change, pest pressures, and shifting crop preferences. The discussions emphasized traceability, transparency, and value addition as key drivers to enhance the global competitiveness of Pakistan’s cotton exports.
Dr Bajwa highlighted CABI’s contributions to revitalizing the cotton sector through science-based solutions, digital innovation, and policy support. He emphasized how the CABI Academy, PlantwisePlus Knowledge Bank, and PlantwisePlus programme is providing farmers and policymakers with cutting-edge knowledge and decision-support tools.
He also stressed the importance of capacity building for farmers and extension services, adoption of biocontrol solutions and Integrated Pest Management (IPM), and strengthening cotton seed innovation and supply chains.
Dr Bajwa said, “The future of Pakistan’s cotton industry hinges on climate-smart seed technology, integrated advisory services, and policy-backed interventions. Without coordinated action, profitability will remain a challenge as cotton competes with multiple crops.
“CABI reaffirms its dedication to driving sustainable growth in Pakistan’s cotton sector through innovation, collaboration, and science-driven solutions, ensuring a more resilient and competitive future for the industry. Together, we can build a sustainable, competitive, and resilient future for cotton in Pakistan.”
CABI hosted a delegation of senior cotton executives
Dr Bajwa speaks with senior cotton industry executives.
Dr Bajwa’s attendance at the First National Conference for Cotton Revival came shortly after CABI’s Centre in Pakistan hosted Mr Eric B. Trachtenberg, Executive Director of the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC- USA), and Dr Yousaf Zafar, Vice President of the Pakistan Central Cotton Committee (PCCC).
The ICAC and PCCC delegates received briefing on CABI’s mission and ongoing collaborations across the Asia-Pacific region. CABI and ICAC have played a key role in advancing Pakistan’s cotton commodity.
During the visit, Mr Trachtenberg shared the remarkable success of the Zambia Model, where ICAC have introduced innovative approaches including biochar, composting, and nano-biopesticides derived from neem oil leading to a 50% increase in cotton yields, improved soil health, and reduced input costs.
Looking ahead, the ICAC plans to host an Investment Conference in 2025 for the textile sector and is working towards establishing a Cotton Innovation Platform, a knowledge hub fostering collaboration between academia, research institutions, and industry.
Dr Bajwa said, “CABI values ICAC’s role in transforming the cotton sector through knowledge exchange and stakeholder engagement. Likewise, CABI’s recent contributions, including the approval of the Organic Agriculture Policy for Balochistan and the newly approved biopesticide registration guidelines for Pakistan, are key steps towards safer, more sustainable cotton production in Pakistan.
“Recognizing the value of cotton to Pakistan, CABI, PCCC and ICAC, have reaffirmed their commitments to contribute towards development and revival of the cotton. organisations will be moving forward and will continue to develop and implement technologies to beat challenges.
“CABI remains committed to supporting Pakistan’s smallholder farmers, researchers, and industry partners through its global expertise, innovative tools, and collaborative projects.”
As part of the ‘Producing better cotton in Pakistan’ project – funded by Better Cotton Growth & Innovation Fund (BC GIF) – is working with a number of small and medium farmers at field level in two of the major cotton-growing regions in Pakistan, Sindh and Punjab. CABI is supporting these farmers to produce better cotton that takes social, environmental and economic criteria into account.
Additional information
Main image: Dr Babar Bajwa, CABI’s Senior Regional Director, Asia, at the First National Conference for Cotton Revival in Multan, Pakistan.
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