Cotton production decline in Pakistan, 1971-1976

COTTON EXPERTS WHO WENT TO PAKISTAN TO EXAMINE REASONS FOR THE LARGE DROP IN YIELD PER ACRE OF COTTON SINCE 1972. A DROP FROM FOUR MILLION IN 1971-72 TO TWO MILLION BALES IN 1976-77 POSED A SERIOUS ECONOMIC PROBLEM TO THE COUNTRY AND TO THE AGRICULTURE AND TEXTILE INDUSTRIES. THE TEAM LOCATED THE DECLINE PRIMARILY IN THE UPLAND COTTON PRODUCTION AREA OF THE PUNJAB. THIS REPORT INCLUDES ANALYSES OF INFORMATION AND DATA OBTAINED BY A LENGTHY FIELD TRIP TO SIX AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH LOCATIONS. ASSESSMENTS WERE MADE OF FACILITIES, STAFF CAPABILITIES, THE RELEVANCE OF RESEARCH PROGRAMS, AND FUNDING. THE RECOMMENDATIONS INCLUDE: (1) BETTER INSECT CONTROL, (2) IMPROVEMENT OF SEED QUALITY, (3) STRENGTHENING OF COTTON BREEDING PROGRAMS, (4) ENCOURAGEMENT OF RIDGE AND LINE SOWING, (5) ESTABLISHMENT OF A NATIONAL COTTON VARIETY TESTING PROGRAM, (6) BETTER WEED CONTROL, (7) IMPROVEMENT OF LAND LEVELING, AND (8) IMPROVEMENT OF STANDS. THE APPENDIX TO THE REPORT CONTAINS TABLES AND GRAPHS, AND A DISCUSSION OF INSECTS.