Some people are remembered for the positions they hold, while others earn lasting recognition through their contributions. Offices are temporary, but those who serve their nation with knowledge, integrity and dedication leave a permanent legacy. Sindh has produced many agricultural scientists who have transformed farming and improved the lives of countless farmers. Among them is Muhammad Safar Majeedano, whose development of the cotton variety CRIS-682 after 17 years of research stands as a remarkable achievement.
Born in Allah Bakhsh Majeedano village, Bhiriya City, District Naushahro Feroze, Muhammad Safar completed his primary education in his village before matriculating from Government Madrasa and High School, Naushahro Feroze, in 1994. He completed his intermediate education at Government College Noor Shah Bukhari, Tando Jam, in 1997, followed by a Bachelor’s degree in Plant Breeding and Genetics in 2003 and an M.Sc. (Hons.) in 2005 from Sindh Agriculture University, Tando Jam.
His passion for agricultural research was inspired by his father, Yar Muhammad Majeedano, who served at the Wheat Research Station of the Agricultural Research Institute, Tando Jam. Growing up surrounded by discussions on crops, seeds and farming nurtured his lifelong commitment to agricultural science.
After completing his studies, he worked for five years as a Research Officer before joining the Central Cotton Research Institute (CCRI), Sakrand, as a Scientific Officer in 2010 through the Federal Public Service Commission. He continues to serve there with distinction.
Recognising the challenges posed by climate change, water scarcity, rising temperatures and crop diseases, Muhammad Safar devoted his research to developing a more resilient cotton variety. His efforts culminated in CRIS-682, a high-yielding variety capable of producing up to 65 maunds per acre under favourable conditions. It matures early, tolerates extreme heat, performs well under limited irrigation and offers improved resistance to common cotton diseases.
National trials confirmed its outstanding performance, where it ranked first in yield. CRIS-682 also became the first cotton variety developed by CCRI Sakrand to achieve nationwide recognition. Today, it is cultivated across Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, covering more than 40% of Sindh’s cotton-growing area.
Muhammad Safar has also contributed extensively to agricultural science through around 30 research publications in national and international journals. Agreements with more than 20 seed companies are expected to expand the production of certified CRIS-682 seed, benefiting farmers across Pakistan while supporting further research at CCRI.
His journey demonstrates that lasting success is achieved through dedication, perseverance and a commitment to serving the nation. While public attention often focuses on celebrities, the true heroes are the scientists whose work transforms lives. Muhammad Safar Majeedano is one such individual, deserving recognition for his invaluable contribution to Pakistan’s agricultural development.
TARIQ RAJPAR,
Sindh.
