Modern Farming Practices Vital to Expanding Cotton Production in Balochistan: Chief Secretary

Independent Report QUETTA , Sept 7: Balochistan Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan has directed the relevant authorities to accelerate measures for increasing cotton production and expanding the area under cultivation, emphasizing the adoption of modern farming techniques, quality seeds, efficient irrigation and timely sowing to improve crop yields and farmers' incomes. He issued the directives while presiding over a meeting on cotton production and cultivation in the province, during which officials presented a detailed briefing on the Cotton Maximization initiative. Agriculture Secretary Daud Khilji briefed the meeting on the existing cotton cultivation and production potential in Balochistan, challenges confronting growers and proposed interventions involving improved seed varieties, irrigation facilities, agricultural machinery and stronger marketing arrangements. The Chief Secretary described cotton as an important cash crop for Balochistan and said increasing its production could provide farmers with better economic opportunities while contributing to the growth of the provincial economy. The meeting was informed that considerable scope existed for expanding cotton cultivation in areas with suitable agricultural conditions. Under the Cotton Maximization initiative, officials proposed promoting the crop in districts where climatic and farming conditions were favorable. Participants noted that expanding cotton cultivation could also facilitate the productive use of underutilized cultivable land, bringing additional acreage into agricultural activity. The meeting emphasized the need to increase growers' earnings through higher per-acre productivity, lower production expenses and improved access to markets. Shakeel Qadir Khan observed that increased cotton output could generate broader economic activity by strengthening the ginning, textile and transport sectors, creating employment opportunities and reinforcing linkages between agriculture and industry. He added that higher production could also contribute to enhancing the province's export potential. The Chief Secretary ordered the immediate implementation of coordinated measures to train farmers in modern agricultural practices, raise awareness, provide field-level technical support and improve cotton productivity across Balochistan.