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Cotton is primarily grown for lint which is approximately 35% of the harvested seed cotton (seed and lint).  As a result of plant breeding efforts, this percentage has been increased up to 45% in various parts of the world.  Pakistan inherited varieties with values up to 32% and staple length 22 mm.  MNH 93 contributed the first break through by producing seed cotton with 37.5% lint and 28.5 mm staple length.  MNH 93 was released in 1980 and is still under cultivation.  S 12 with 40% lint gave another big jump and increased production to a record level.  MNH 147 (1992) has surpassed even S 12 with lint value of 42% and staple length 28.2 mm.

Extraordinary research efforts are being undertaken at cotton research institutions in Pakistan.  At Cotton Research Station, Multan, the efforts have resulted in achieving 51.8% lint.  The future targets include achieving lint level exceeding 60%.

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