Pakistan, Aug. 2 -- Early sowing of cotton can help increase production and reduce crop losses caused by weather conditions and pest attacks, Director Agriculture Extension Sargodha Muhammad Ashfaq said on Saturday.

Speaking to media during the preparation of the Cotton Production Plan 2026, he said cotton remained a vital crop for Pakistan's economy, with Punjab contributing a major share to national production. He said early-sown cotton developed better resistance against climatic challenges and harmful insects, while also reducing attacks by sap-sucking pests, particularly whitefly, which was a major cause of leaf curl virus. Muhammad Ashfaq stressed that farmers should treat seeds with recommended pesticides before sowing to protect ...