Lahore: (Wednesday, October 29, 2025): Punjab University Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB) has announced the approval of CEMB-AAS3 cotton variety for commercialization, another significant breakthrough in cotton breeding to help boost cotton production, thus contributing Pakistan and farmers’ economic development. The cotton variety, CEMB-AAS3, has been approved by National Biosafety Committee, Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MoCC&EC;) in its 35th meeting. The meeting was chaired by the Secretary, MoCC&EC;, who also serves as Chairman of the NBC, and attended by the Director General, Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency, along with other senior officials and experts. Principal Breeder of the project Dr Allah Bakhsh said that the approval of CEMB-AAS3 marks a significant achievement in the cotton sector owing to peculiar traits. He said that this variety will benefit farmers by reducing pesticide usage, increasing yields, and improving overall crop management. Dr Abdul Munim Farooq, Co-Breeder of the variety explained that we are optimistic about the positive impact this variety will have on farmers and the broader agricultural sector. Principal Investigator Prof Dr Abdul Qayyum Rao added that CEMB-AAS3 is a testament to the power of biotechnology in addressing agricultural challenges. Director CEMB Prof Dr Moazur Rahman said that we anticipate this variety will contribute significantly to Pakistan's cotton production and support the livelihoods of farming communities. He also congratulated the breeders and all faculty team involved in the cotton breeding programme. He said CEMB will keep on playing its pivotal role in solving the various challenges in the field of agriculture and health by utilizing modern molecular tools. PU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Ali has congratulated the CEMB team on this achievement. He said that he commends the dedication and hard work of the scientists at CEMB-PU, who have once again demonstrated their expertise in driving agricultural innovation. He said that the development of CEMB-AAS3 variety highlights the critical role of CEMB-PU in advancing Cotton Research and Development in the country. He said that he is confident this variety will have a profound impact on cotton production in Pakistan and contribute to the country's economic growth. It is pertinent to mention here that Punjab Seed Council has also recommended this variety for general cultivation in Punjab Province. CEMB-AAS3 is a genetically improved cotton variety incorporating three key genes (cry1Ac+Cry2A and GTG), two for resistance against cotton bollworms and one for weed management (Glyphosate tolerance). The variety also shows tolerance to Cotton Leaf Curl Virus (CLCuV) and superior fiber quality with higher yield, contributing to reduced pesticide use and improved sustainability. The development of CEMB-AAS3 underscores Punjab University’s commitment to advancing agricultural biotechnology and improving crop yields in Pakistan. This achievement reflects the dedication of our researchers and the potential of molecular breeding techniques to drive agricultural innovation.