Objective of PCCC is to undertake the mono crop, multidisciplinary research on cotton through PCCC’s country research system at various ecological zones of the country for development of outstanding and high performing varieties of cotton.Various important achievements of the PCCC are briefed as under.
PCCC develops short and long term national cotton production strategies with the interaction of stakeholders with the objective to maximize quality cotton production in the country.
Strengthening of multidisciplinary integrated research on cotton crop including agricultural, technological and marketing/economic research) through cotton crop research and development infrastructure established by the PCCC throughout the country (including three research institutes and seven cotton research stations).
Germplasm or Gene pool provides the basic diverse genetic material for development of desirable genotypes/varieties of cotton. PCCC has the mandate to maintain and distribute to the provincial research system the germplasm of various wild and cultivated species of cotton. National, regional and international exchange of the cotton germplasm is a permanent activity of the PCCC.
Development of new and improved cotton varieties with outstanding yield and fiber characteristics using non-conventional and conventional breeding techniques. PCCC research system has developed 49 elite cotton varieties so far while more improved germplasm is in advanced trials is being tested for their commercial release. Staple improved to 32mm and above. As a result of the decades long endeavors of the PCCC, early maturing varieties have been introduced in the country, Ginning out turn (GOT) has been improved to 38-40%, Fiber fineness & strength have been maintained according to spinners’ requirement.
PCCC also maintain the seed of newly developed varieties with high genetic and physical purity. Good quality early generation (pre-basic) seed is produced in sufficient quantities each year to make available to public and private seed sector for multiplication to certified seed for general cultivation.
To conduct ‘National Coordinated Varietal Trails (NCVT)’ to identify the best performing genotypes developed by the national and provincial (public and private) cotton research system adaptable to various agro-ecological conditions of the country. Each year huge number of newly developed cotton varieties are tested in wide spread multi-location trials for comparison of their performance. A traditional “Cotton Travelling Seminar” is also convened every year during the peak crop season for technical survey and scrutiny of the varieties under testing in various parts of the cotton belt.
Formulation and transfer of cotton crop production technology to farming community at their door step to maximize quality cotton production. These technologies enable the farmers to harvest maximum potential of the new varieties.
PCCC facilitates the national and multinational seed companies for testing of Bt cotton varieties for their possible commercialization and exploitation in the country. PCCC has also collaborated biotech research system of the country for development of indigenous Bt cotton varieties in the best national interest. Other novel technologies developed by various research systems for cotton crop are also tested by PCCC. Examples include, application of Nano-technology in cotton, water efficient irrigation system (drip irrigation) etc.
Coordination with provinces for their capacity building and strengthening of provincial agricultural department enabling them to handle their provincial cotton sector. PCCC has also developed strong collaboration with cotton value adding sector including Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA), All Pakistan textile Mills Association (APTMA), Karachi Cotton Association (KCA) etc. with the objective to safeguard the rights of both cotton farmers and value adding sector. PCCC had also been effectively engaged in International collaboration with International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC), and other cotton producing countries to enhance cotton production.
PCCC explores the ways and means (like Integrated pest management and Biological control) to depress heavy reliance on use of chemical/pesticides to control cotton pests. This ensured sustainable cotton production in the country while protecting our natural resources (soil, water and climate). These technologies enabled our farmers to get rid of deleterious pests of cotton like mealy bug in the most effective way.
PCCC has also developed and maintained the coloured cotton germplasm for commercial production but its market acceptance is not satisfactory.
PCCC scientist are working on organic cotton production in Balochistan and Potohar areas for the production of chemical free cotton keeping in view its increasing demand in the international market.
Keeping in view rising demand of the cotton, PCCC has also tested and introduced new cotton varieties in the non-traditional (non-cotton) areas including areas of KPK, Balochistan and rainfed areas of Punjab.
PCCC also provides technical support to the Federal Government Department of Plant Protection (DPP) for the efficacy testing of pesticides/ new chemistries on the cotton crop. Testing results with recommendations about efficacy of the chemicals against various cotton pests are being forward to DPP for registration of the new pesticides in the country.
PCCC usually undertakes limited number of important joint R&D projects of prime national importance with the collaboration international and national research (public and private) research system (institutes and companies etc). Internships and thesis research programmes with the various agricultural universities and college are also in progress.
Various national and international training programmes are arranged by PCCC for training cotton scientists in various disciplines of cotton. Comprehensive training facilities have been arranged for scientists of different specialties.
Dissemination of information through electronic and print media by our Technology transfer units. A website of PCCC (www.pccc.gov.pk ) has also been launched for the same purpose which is updated on daily basis to keep informed all concerned with cotton and textile sector.
Regular supply of comprehensive and valuable cotton related research and statistical information in the form of publications on daily, weekly, monthly and yearly basis, to the national and international organizations and stakeholders is ensured. These publications are also uploaded on the departmental website for general information.
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