Heatwaves Threaten Punjab Cotton Seed Germination

News Desk
LAHORE: An unprecedented surge in temperatures across key agricultural regions of Punjab has sharply reduced cotton seed germination, raising serious concerns over a potential shortage of certified seeds for the 2026-27 crop season.
Agricultural experts warn that the ongoing climate volatility poses a direct threat to the country’s vital agrarian economy.
According to Cotton Ginners Forum Chairman Ihsanul Haq, seed germination rates have plummeted from the optimal threshold of over 70 percent down to nearly 30 percent as daytime temperatures soared between 40 and 41 degrees Celsius.
Normally sustained around 30°C for ideal growth, the crop has suffered due to unseasonal heat, which has also triggered the premature opening of cotton bolls across the province.
While premature boll opening may artificially inflate initial per-acre production figures, industry stakeholders caution that the compromised seed quality will severely restrict availability for the upcoming sowing cycle.
To mitigate this looming crisis, farming associations have formally urged government authorities to temporarily relax official seed-germination standards, allowing commercial suppliers to distribute adequate certified quantities and safeguard future cultivation.
The latest agricultural setback underscores a broader vulnerability to shifting weather patterns and recurring forecasting inadequacies that continue to disrupt rural livelihoods.
Authorities are expected to review regulatory standards and consult industry stakeholders in the coming weeks to formulate a comprehensive response to the agricultural emergency.