In Punjab, heat reduced cotton seed germination to nearly 30% — Dawn

In Pakistan’s Punjab province, a sharp rise in temperatures has reduced cotton seed germination and may cause a shortage of certified seed for the 2026–2027 crop. This was reported by Dawn, citing Cotton Ginners Forum Chairman Ihsanullah Haq.

Seed germination declined

According to Haq, at a favorable temperature of around 30°C, cotton seed germination should normally exceed 70%. In key cotton-growing areas, temperatures reached 40–41°C, while the germination rate fell to nearly 30%.

Abnormally high temperatures also caused premature opening of cotton bolls, he said. At first, this may create an impression of higher yields, but low seed germination could lead to a shortage of certified planting material next season.

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Proposal to ease standards

The chairman of the Cotton Ginners Forum called on the authorities to temporarily ease cotton seed germination standards. In his view, this would allow seed companies to supply farmers with the maximum possible volumes of certified seed and avoid a reduction in cotton-growing areas.

Haq also linked the difficulties faced by agriculture, including cotton production, in recent years to unfavorable weather and insufficient, untimely forecasts. He added that positive decisions on bilateral trade at the expected meeting of the Chinese and US presidents could support global cotton prices and the Pakistani market.

Seminars in cotton-growing regions

According to Haq, the National Seed Development and Regulatory Authority decided to hold field cotton seminars in Rahim Yar Khan, Multan, Sukkur, Faisalabad, Tando Jam and Sakrand. Research institutions, agricultural departments, seed companies, scientists, experts and farmers are expected to take part in developing a joint strategy to increase cotton production through quality seed, modern varieties and improved cultivation technologies.