Central Cotton Research Institute Sakrand was founded in 1976, with the objectives to provide production technology, to solve Cotton production problems, to increase Cotton production through evolution of high yielding Cotton varieties with other required characters. With the endeavors of multi-disciplinary research conducted through Agronomy, Plant Breeding & Genetics, Entomology, Plant Pathology and Plant Physiology/Chemistry Sections. The Institute has successfully evolved five high yielding and early maturing Cotton varieties, CRIS-9 (1992), Marvi (2001), CRIS-134 (2004), CRIS-467 (2004) & CRIS-121 (2006). These varieties are being successfully grown throughout Sindh. A number of most promising strains, CRIS-19, CRIS-82, CRIS-133 and CRIS-168 have already been tested in advance breeding as well as National coordinated Variety Trials. The strain ranked in better positions in these trials but, their variety release proposals have not been submitted due to CLCV (Cotton Leaf Curl Virus) disease issue, because these varieties are not CLCV resistant.
Since 1996, CLCV disease through occurred at low to moderate intensity from Northern Sindh and now it has reached up to Mirpurkhas, thus evolution of CLCV resistant varieties had become ultimate goal of the Institute. At present, CRIS-467 and CRIS-468 both high yielding, early maturing and CLCV varieties have been tested in advance breeding And National Coordinated Variety Trials. The variety release proposal of CRIS-467has already been recommended by Scrutinize Committee and is be submitted to Sindh Seed Council for its formal approval. 40 more CLCV resistant strains are also being tested in advance breeding trials. Many CLCV resistant stains are being tested in advance breeding trials to develop new CLCV resistant material with not only high yield potential but, simultaneously for early maturity, high lint %, with long and high fibre strength.
The Institute continued providing technical expertise to growers of Sindh, specially rice growing areas of Larkana, Jacobabad and Shikarpur Districts and also deputed subject specialists to Balochistan for Cotton promotion in this province. With the continuous efforts, we have succeeded in Cotton cultivation on considerable areas of above localities and the areas under Cotton cultivation have increased as compared to previous years. Technical Staff remained in contact with Cotton growers of Sindh province and various surveys were conducted throughout the Cotton season and advised for timely and proper use of inputs when and where required. Literature regarding Cotton production technology including IPM techniques was distributed among Cotton growers of provinces Sindh and Balochistan. Besides, 15 Field Assistants from each district of Sindh, NGO’s and various growers were provided training on improved production technology for cotton crop cultivation
