A delegation of Pakistani cotton experts witnessed a demonstration of a new 2-row cotton picker by Case New Holland (CNH) in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, generating considerable interest in the potential of mechanized cotton harvesting for Pakistan.
Cotton production in Pakistan is facing increasing challenges, including pest attacks associated with excessive humidity, labor shortages, climate change, adulterated pesticides, and low-vigor seed. Mechanization of cotton harvesting is therefore being considered as one of the potential solutions to address some of these challenges.
The CNH cotton picker demonstrated in Tashkent is a self-propelled 2-row machine equipped with a dual-side picking system. It has an average productivity of 1.33 tons per hour, with a reported picking efficiency of 90–95 percent. The machine’s row spacing is compatible with Pakistan’s prevailing cotton sowing pattern of 76 cm, while the spacing can be adjusted to 76, 81, 90 and 100 cm.
The Pakistani delegation also participated in a classroom discussion following the field demonstration, where technical and agronomic aspects of mechanized cotton harvesting were discussed.
The delegation comprised Dr. Zahid Mahmood, Former Cotton Commissioner; Mr. Muhammad Jameel, Director, Cotton Research Institute (CRI), Multan; Mr. Yasir Jan Khan, a leading cotton grower; Dr. Alamgir Khan, Mechanization Expert; and Engr. Adnan Iqbal from Farm3vo Technologies (Pvt.) Ltd (A company of AlKaram group) CNH distributor in Pakistan.
Addressing the participants, Dr. Zahid said that Pakistan has the capability to develop and provide a cotton variety suitable for mechanical harvesting, particularly a variety that can be harvested effectively in a single picking.
Representatives of Case New Holland, including Mr. Wojciech Purczynski; Mr. Sala Massimiliano; Engr. Mansoor Rizvi, CNH Country Manager, Pakistan; BURKHANOV Oybek and Mr. Hall Brian, briefed the Pakistani delegation on the machine’s technical features and its potential benefits for Pakistan’s cotton crop.
The visit provided an opportunity for Pakistani cotton experts to assess the suitability of mechanized cotton harvesting under local crop conditions and to exchange views with CNH specialists on the prospects and challenges of introducing cotton-picking technology in Pakistan.