KARACHI: Agric­ultural scientists in Sindh have developed new crop varieties that offer higher yields and require less water for cultivation.

The Sindh government has approved cultivation of 22 new varieties of crops, including cotton, maize, mustard, rice, pulses and mangoes, which are designed to produce higher yields with reduced water consumption.

In this regard, the phase-II of the 36th meeting of the Provincial Seed Council was held under the chairmanship of Minister of Agriculture Sardar Mohammad Bakhsh Mahar. During the meeting, the characteristics of the new seeds were reviewed and approval was granted for the cultivation of newly-introduced varieties.

Minister Mahar stated that the meeting approved 10 new crop varieties, including CKC1 and CKC221 for cotton besides CKC6, Ghori 2, HAF 3, and ICS 386. Additionally, partial approval for one year was granted for the cultivation of three new cotton varieties and four new rice varieties.

The agriculture minister also mentioned that the meeting approved new crop varieties such as Mazhar Gold, Sindh Rani, and Sarhan for maize while Neela Canola and Neela Toria Gold were approved for mustard. New varieties of mangoes from Mirpurkhas, sesame variety TS 3 and four new rice varieties, including KSK-434, Basmati 515 and Kainat were also approved.

Sardar Muhammad Baksh Mahar emphasised that due to climate change, rising temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns in the country, it was essential to adjust traditional farming schedules. During the meeting, the minister also took notice of the theft of rice crops in Dokri and directed the secretary of agriculture to immediately suspend the concerned officers.

He added that Sindh had surpassed Punjab in cotton production this year. Sindh’s farmers and the department of agriculture have implemented better care and modern techniques for cotton cultivation. Despite water scarcity, Sindh is achieving a significant position in the agricultural sector besides setting an example for other provinces in tackling the effects of climate change.

The meeting was attended by Agriculture Secretary Suhail Ahmed Qureshi, Research DG Dr Mazhar Kerio, farmer leader Syed Nadeem Shah Jamot, Agriculture Extension DG Munir Ahmed Jumani, Sindh Seed Corporation MD Mushtaq Ahmed Soomro, agricultural experts and scientists from Sindh and Punjab and provinces.

Published in Dawn, March 19th, 2025