Sindh government has taken a major step to enhance agricultural productivity by approving 12 innovative crop varieties, including cotton, wheat, mustard, and ber, developed by the province’s top agricultural scientists. This approval came during the 36th meeting of the Sindh Seed Council, chaired by Agriculture Minister Sardar Muhammad Bux Khan Mahar. Among the newly approved crops are CRS 644, CRS 674, CRS 682, the latest BT 2021, and MianResham non-BT cotton, along with wheat varieties like IV-3, Urooj 22, Akbar 19, Subhani 21, and a new pasta wheat. Mustard variety Kizola and ber variety LemaiGolo also received the council’s approval.
Farmers raised serious concerns over losses caused by low-quality rice seeds imported from Punjab, resulting in significant financial damage to Sindh’s farmers. In response, Minister Mahar ordered an immediate investigation and demanded a report to address the issue. Acknowledging the need for further improvements in agriculture, Mahar stated, “We will only approve new crop varieties after thorough consultations with farmers,” underlining the government’s commitment to prioritizing farmers’ welfare.
He also announced plans for a new Seed Act aimed at combating counterfeit agricultural products and holding fraudulent companies accountable. Mahar stressed the growing threat posed by climate change, which has increasingly impacted the agricultural sector, urging experts to focus their research on developing crops that can withstand changing environmental conditions. Director General of Research MazharKeerio lauded the newly developed crop varieties, describing them as the product of advanced scientific methods. “These crops will significantly boost Sindh’s agricultural output and move the province toward self-sufficiency in key crops,” Keerio noted.
Farmer leader Nadeem Shah shared Keerio’s optimism, expressing hope that Sindh would soon achieve self-reliance in cotton and wheat production. The meeting was attended by prominent officials, including Agriculture Secretary Rafique Ahmed Buriro, DG of Research MazharKeerio, DG of Federal Seed Certification, representatives from major seed companies, DG of Agriculture Munir Ahmed Jumani, and leading farmer leaders Syed Nadeem Shah, Syed Meeran Muhammad Shah, and Syed Zain Shah, along with various agricultural scientists. The approval of these new varieties sets the stage for Sindh’s agricultural sector to become more prosperous and self-sustaining.
