Rise in mercury ‘affects’ cotton seed germination in Punjab
LAHORE: An ‘unprecedented’ rise in temperatures has sharply reduced cotton seed germination this year, raising fears of a serious shortage of certified seed for the 2026-27 cotton crop and potentially affecting next season’s sowing. Cotton seed germination, normally expected to remain above 70 per cent under suitable temperatures of around 30°C, had fallen to nearly 30pc as temperatures reached…
Lahore has witnessed an "unprecedented" surge in temperatures, which has significantly diminished cotton seed germination rates this year, sparking concerns over a potential shortage of certified seed for the 2026-27 cotton harvest and its potential impact on the following season's planting. Cotton seed germination, typically expected to stay above 70 percent under optimal conditions of about 30°C, has plummeted to approximately 30 percent in critical cotton-producing regions, Cotton Ginners Forum chairman Ihsanul Haq reported.
Haq highlighted that the abnormally high temperatures have led to cotton bolls opening prematurely. Although this might initially boost per-acre yields, the detrimental effect on seed germination could result in a shortage of certified seed for the upcoming season. He appealed to authorities to temporarily relax seed-germination standards for cotton, allowing seed firms to provide the maximum number of certified seeds to farmers and avert a decline in cotton cultivation.
Adverse weather patterns in recent years, combined with insufficient and untimely weather predictions, have been cited as the primary reasons behind the agricultural challenges, especially in cotton production. Haq speculated that cotton prices in international markets could see a boost if the anticipated meeting between the Chinese and US presidents in the coming days leads to favorable decisions on bilateral trade.
"Enhanced international cotton prices could positively influence Pakistani markets and foster a rise in local cotton and phutti prices," he added. The National Seed Development and Regulatory Authority has decided to organize cotton traveling seminars in major cotton zones, such as Rahim Yar Khan, Multan, Sukkur, Faisalabad, Tando Jam, and Sakrand.
These seminars will bring together research institutions, agricultural departments, seed companies, scientists, experts, and farmers to devise a unified strategy for boosting cotton production through superior seed, cutting-edge varieties, and advanced production technologies.
Written by urgent.news from Dawn Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
