1. Agronomy Department, PMAS Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Pakistan; muhammadrizwan3101@gmail.com
2. PMAS Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Pakistan; R.Junaid540@gmail.com
3. Associate Professor; Agronomy Department, PMAS Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Pakistan; naveed@uaar.edu.pk
4. Chairman; Department of Agronomy, PMAS Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Pakistan; muhammad.ansar@uaar.edu.pk
5. Agriculture Economics, PMAS Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Pakistan; Muddasirali967@gmail.com

*             Correspondence: muhammadrizwan3101@gmail.com

Keywords: cotton crop, development, agriculture, China

1. INTRODUCTION

Since 2010, cotton cultivation and improvement in yield quality have been the priority of China in agriculture. Earlier, cotton cultivation was faced with issues like pest infestations and low yields. Meanwhile, vital advancements were made in biotechnology that helped the farmers grow genetically modified (GM) cotton varieties, such as cotton, which is resistant to certain pests (Zhang et al., 2018). Further, the Research and Development (R&D) efforts were directed toward improving water scarcity, besides soil health and reduction in conservation marks of cotton cultivation. Later, the integration of digital technologies into agriculture gained momentum (Zulfiqar & Thapa, 2016). R&D focus was shifted to developing stronger cotton varieties and improving pest management policies. Likewise, in Pakistan, the cotton crop is the main cash crop, which is mainly consumed in the textile industry.  India, China, and the United States are the largest producers.  Cotton is also the chief money crop in Pakistan, as 55% of the country’s trade profit is received from its exports (Ali et al., 2019). This study investigates the R&D role in influencing the productivity and sustainability of the cotton crop both in China and Pakistan. It would also analyze technological advancements, innovative ways of adaptation, agronomic practices, and policy involvements in cotton production. China’s experiences can provide a vision for current approaches to enhance cotton crop production in our arid and semi-arid areas. The study aims to highlight the benefits of R&D in connection with cotton crops. Besides, it will try to address the challenges faced by Pakistan in cotton production and what can be done to revamp this sector in light of Chinese agricultural policies and practices.

2. LITERATURE REVIEW

The Chinese government has made significant investments in biotechnology research and promoted the growth of regional seed and biotech businesses. It also makes it easier for public and private enterprises to collaborate on research and development. China has recently placed a lot of emphasis on cotton crop research and development (Lokko et al., 2018). This has had a lot of positive effects under control, including higher yields, better quality, and less environmental impact. New cotton cultivars that are more resistant to pests and illnesses have been developed as a result of research and development. This has aided in lowering crop losses and raising yields. China’s experience with cotton crop R&D offers several lessons to other nations (Zhang et al., 2018). Coordination between various stakeholders, including farmers, scientists, and government officials, is key to the success of R&D. China has had great success in cotton crop R&D. Chinese agricultural innovations have improved production and sustainability, especially in the cotton industry. The development of high-yielding cotton varieties that are suited to regional conditions is the result of China’s investment in R&D. Because of their tolerance to pests and diseases, these types require fewer pesticides (Lu et al., 2022). Research and development initiatives have led to higher cotton yields and better fiber quality. The efficient implementation of research findings requires information distribution, technology transfer mechanisms, and farmer training, as demonstrated by China’s successful R&D experiences (Zulfiqar & Thapa, 2016). The cotton R&D policies of China shed light on the importance of public-private partnerships, international cooperation, and government assistance for agricultural innovation. In many nations around the world, cotton is a significant agricultural crop. It is employed to make a range of textiles, including clothes, towels, and bed linens. With more than 25% of worldwide production, China is the world’s top producer of cotton (Muzyczek, 2020). Investments in research have aided in the development of rural areas and the rise of the cotton industry, which has created employment possibilities. Lessons from China’s projects provide an emphasis on the adoption of sustainable techniques, such as integrated pest management, effective water use, and enhancement of soil health. The cotton growers’ income as well as that of the textile sector have benefited from this. The cotton crop has suffered over the last few years mostly as a result of decreasing planting space, excessive monsoon rains, and pest infestations, which resulted in a 22.8 percent decline in cotton production (Huang &Rozelle, 2002). An overview of the advantages of research and development on the cotton crop is provided in this succinct literature study, which concludes China’s experiences. To investigate deeper into certain facets and results of Research and development projects in China’s cotton industry, more investigation and analysis is required.

3. MATERIALS AND METHODS

First of all, the desk review of existing literature, including research papers from popular journals, was done. Secondly, some experts were interviewed about the benefits of R&D on cotton production. They were requested to express their thoughts on its dynamics and main players, which allowed them to explain their view on why we are not able to compete at the international level, what the main challenges faced by Pakistan in cotton production, and what can be done to revamp this sector in light of Chinese agricultural policies and practices. When possible, the supplement questions were also asked for an explanation. In the end, matching and mismatching in desk review and experts’ views were done to find the solution to the issues.

4. FINDINGS AND DISCUSSIONS

The existing literature adopted a partial view, making primary data from interviews crucial. Research and development achievements have advanced as a result of collaboration between academic institutions, the state, and industry. In essence, our findings highlight the critical role that targeted R&D had in transforming cotton agriculture into a long-term, financially viable, and globally competitive project. The government should keep funding Bt cotton and other technologies, according to our findings’ recommendations for policy. For Chinese cotton growers, these R&D expenditures have translated into higher output, better quality, and reduced costs.  To increase their cotton production, other nations can benefit from China’s experience by using the lessons learned there. Cotton types that yield more while being resistant to pests, as well as innovative cultivation and processing techniques, have all been created by Chinese experts. The productivity, sustainability, and competitiveness of nations’ cotton industry can all be increased by investing in R&D. After the literature review, open-ended interviews of experts were conducted wherein they were asked to express their views freely on selected themes and subthemes to meet the objectives of the study. The questions and their responses are documented below:

4.1- What are the main challenges being faced by the cotton crop of Pakistan?

Dr. Muhammad Ansar said that seed theft, which ultimately led to misuse of Bt-Cotton occurred due to no copyright, therefore, the international seed companies usually hesitate to work in Pakistan. He further said: that subsidies for maize and rice were also responsible for diverting the minds of farmers to grow these crops instead of cotton without knowing about the soil and climate conditions.  Dr. Shahid Siddique said that the main challenge at the international level which is highlighted by the experts at the international level was synthetic cotton. Although synthetic fiber is cheaper and the cost of production is low it is non-degradable and causes of land and water pollution. Pakistan has the potential to enjoy a comparative and competitive advantage in cotton export, but due to high input prices and high cost of production, farmers hesitate to grow this crop.

4.2- What can we do to revamp the cotton sector?

Dr. Abdul Munaf said that before 2009, Pakistan had no proper seed act and copyright for foreign seed companies. Now, the Seed Act needs to be revised to protect international seed companies. R&D needs to be promoted by educating farmers because the gap between researchers and farmers, the communication gap, and the lack of innovative ideas are the main causes of low per-acre yield. Literature suggests that risk from climate change needs to be quantified. Quantification is necessary to forecast climate hazards and save cash crops from climatic effects.

4.3. What are the benefits of R&D in agriculture?

Dr. Muhammad Naveed Tahir Said that agricultural research and development (R&D) has numerous advantages. It improves crop yields, resistance to pests and diseases, and nutritional quality. Sustainable practices emerge, to reduce environmental effects while adapting to climate change. R&D strengthens rural economies, lowers poverty, and promotes food security. To authorize farmers, it promotes innovation, economic growth, and knowledge dissemination. Agricultural R&D, in essence, provides sustained food production, economic prosperity, and environmental well-being. As the world population grows and climate change becomes a greater danger, R&D will become even more crucial in guaranteeing food security and enhancing farmer livelihoods.

5. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

R&D strategies have been successfully merged in China, resulting in famous advancements in cotton yield, quality, and sustainability. The cotton sector in China has improved fiber qualities, resource efficiency, and pest and disease resistance by utilizing cutting-edge methods. This success story is a striking design of how R&D can transform the agricultural industry. Lessons learned from China’s cotton crop R&D highlight the critical importance of funding research-driven solutions to boost crop production, guarantee food security, and advance sustainable agricultural practices on a global scale. As nations continue to face growing agricultural challenges. China has had great success in cotton crop R&D. It has resulted in higher yields, better quality, and fewer negative environmental effects. By putting money into research and development and using a coordinated strategy, these advantages can be virtual in other nations. Countries should contribute funds to advanced research projects that concentrate on cotton genetics, insect control, and sustainable agricultural practices. Nations can find advanced solutions to solve particular problems and boost cotton production by copying China’s model of strategic investment. Open information sharing has been emphasized in China, and this strategy should be copied to accelerate improvements in cotton farming around the world. The distribution of R&D discoveries to cotton producers must be facilitated by governments and industry participants. Growers can be empowered by education and training programs to successfully apply tried-and-true methods, resulting in larger yields, better quality, and higher profits. To promote private sector involvement in cotton R&D, governments should set up beneficial policies, rewards, and funding methods. The government should grant Ph.D. scholars in agriculture demonstration parks (similar to those China developed in Uzbekistan) in the first phase so they can present their findings. The following scholars should be hired in government-run programs in the second phase on a reasonable stipend. Expert students are required to instruct at least 100 farmers.

REFERENCES

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