FAISALABAD, Feb. 28: The Punjab Seed Council sub-committee of experts held a meeting at the Ayub Agricultural Research Institute here on Saturday.

Four varieties of cotton, three of sugarcane, one of rice and one of gram were discussed. However, the committee gave its approval only to the four cotton varieties.

The CIM-707, developed at the Central Cotton Research Institute in Multan, was approved on the basis of its more than 30mm long staple and good yield potential.

The CIM-506 was cleared due to its fast growth. It completes its life cycle before the peak of bollworm attack and allows timely wheat planting.

A variety from the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission - known as the National Institute for Agriculture and Biology - was recommended as NIAB-111. It possesses a harmonious combination of good fruits and is suitable for cultivation in both the core and non-core cotton zones of Punjab.

The BH-160, developed at the Cotton Research Station of Punjab in Bahawalpur, has been recommended for the districts of former Bahawalpur and Rahim Yar Khan divisions. It matures early and is heat tolerant.

SECURITY: Law enforcement agencies have been directed to take extraordinary steps to ensure peace on the routes of Zuljinnah processions and places of Majalis during Ashur days.

A police source told this scribe here on Saturday that 124 places in the district have been declared sensitive. Tight security arrangements have been made around these places to avoid any untoward incident.