Joint research between Sindh Agricultural University Tandojam and the private sector is leading to promising advancements in cotton production. It was officially stated today that this collaboration has successfully experimented on five varieties of three-genetic cotton, significantly increasing per acre yield.
Sindh Agricultural University, in partnership with Pakistan’s leading agricultural company Four Brothers, initiated this innovative project. These experiments took place at the university’s Latif Farm, where varieties-Meto, Ghazi, Shaheen, Hatif-3, and Hatif-4-were cultivated to harmonize with the region’s climatic conditions.
The results of the experiments are encouraging, with the first cotton picking completed in June-marking an unprecedented success for Latif Farm. Currently, the second and third pickings are underway on the farm. So far, approximately 93 maunds of cotton have been collected from a five-acre plot, with an average of 18.5 maunds per acre.
The Meto variety stands out, yielding approximately 29 maunds per acre from the first two pickings. Researchers anticipate additional crops, which could reach 45 to 50 maunds per acre by September if conditions remain optimal.
Chairman of Four Brothers, Javed Saleem Qureshi, visited the site to review the progress with Vice Chancellor Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal, university scientists, and agricultural experts. Dr. Siyal emphasized the importance of academic and industrial collaboration in enhancing agricultural production, transferring modern technology, and providing new opportunities for graduates.
Qureshi praised the hard work of the university’s scientific team and farm staff, claiming that the success of the three-genetic cotton varieties demonstrates the potential of such partnerships, bringing forth high-yield agricultural technologies, benefiting the nation’s farmers, and strengthening Pakistan’s cotton industry.
Sindh Agricultural University has a history of successful partnerships, including palm oil research with Dalda Foods and the development of climate-resistant seeds with United Bank Limited.
Director of Farms Dr. Muhammad Misal Lund, along with other officials, was also present to witness this significant occasion.