Pakistan's cotton research body faces uncertain future amidst financial crisis

The future of Pakistan's Central Cotton Committee (PCCC) hangs in the balance as the government considers dissolving it due to severe financial constraints. The PCCC, responsible for cotton research, has been crippled by the textile industry's refusal to pay a mandatory cess, leading to critical funding shortages.

The government is now exploring two options: transferring the PCCC to the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) or the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC). While APTMA could ensure industry-relevant research, NARC offers a broader agricultural research framework.

The PCCC has been plagued by financial woes for years, with partial salaries and pensions paid to its employees due to insufficient funds. The government has provided emergency funding but acknowledges the need for a sustainable solution. The ECC has recommended the Cabinet Committee on Rightsizing to determine the future of cotton research in Pakistan.