The agriculture department of Punjab has released guidelines for the early cultivation of cotton, recommending that farmers complete their sowing by March 31.
According to a representative from the department, the districts of Faisalabad, Sahiwal, Sargodha, Multan, and Dera Ghazi Khan are considered most fit for early cotton cultivation.
Farmers are encouraged to plant approved triple-gene varieties such as CKC-1, CKC-3, Hatif-3, ICS-386, CKC-6, and CEMB-AAS3.
The Punjab representative emphasised that cotton farmers must ensure the seeds they purchase are certified by the Federal Seed Certification and Registration Department and are authentic triple-gene varieties.
For early cotton sowing, it is recommended to maintain a spacing of 2.5 feet between rows and 1.5 to 2 feet between individual plants.
According to the agriculture departement, farmers should use four to five kilograms of delinted seed with a germination rate exceeding 75 percent, or five to six kilograms with approximately 60 percent germination per acre.
The department further advised that seeds should be treated with the recommended chemicals in consultation with local agricultural experts before sowing.
Prime Minister’s Youth Business and Agriculture Loan Scheme
The Government of Pakistan is providing financial assistance to the youth through the Prime Minister’s Youth Business and Agriculture Loan Scheme (PMYB&ALS).
This initiative is intended to foster entrepreneurship and help young individuals in starting or expanding their businesses.
In addition to the broader scheme, a 0% interest laptop financing option has been introduced to aid young people in fulfilling the requirements of the digital economy.
Officials say that the scheme is structured to enhance the accessibility of financing for young entrepreneurs and to support small and medium-sized enterprises throughout Pakistan.
Earlier, Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik defended the government’s policy on the petroleum levy, stating that the current framework is intended to balance economic realities while protecting important sectors such as agriculture and public transport.
The minister further stated that the government has maintained a relatively modest increase in diesel prices due to its vital importance in the agricultural sector and public transportation.
He stated that stabilising diesel prices helps reduce the financial strain on farmers and the overall transport system.
Read more: How to apply for PM Youth Business and Agriculture Loan Scheme 2026? Easy step-by-step guide
