TAHIR AMIN

ISLAMABAD: The Cotton Crop Assessment Committee (CCAC) on Thursday estimated cotton production at 12.6 million bales against initial estimates of 14.04 million bales for the current season (2017-18). Secretary Textile Division Hassan Iqbal chaired the 2nd meeting of the CCAC here on Thursday to assess the cotton production estimates for the current season (2017-18).

The CCAC in its first meeting had revised cotton production estimates downward by over 12 percent to 12.6 million bales against the initial estimate of 14.04 million bales for the current season (2017-18), after missing the sowing target. In the second meeting, the body maintained the estimated production target while pointing out good arrival of crop so far.

The representatives from provincial governments, Pakistan Central Cotton Committee, Pakistan Cotton Standards Institute, All Pakistan Textile Mills Association, Pakistan Cotton Ginners Associations, Karachi Cotton Association, Federal Plant Protection Department, Trading Corporation of Pakistan, and progressive cotton growers attended the meeting.

Cotton Commissioner Dr Khalid Abdullah apprised the meeting that cotton crop target for the year 2017 was set at 3.11 million hectares (7.68 million acres) with production of 14.04 million bales. About 13.9 percent higher cotton sowing of 2.753 million hectares (6.803 million acres) was achieved during the current season with a major increase in the Punjab (5.300 million acres) compared to the last year. But the target set for the current season was missed as decline in cotton sowing was recorded in Punjab, which is the major cotton producing province. Punjab which produces about 70 percent of the total cotton was hit hard as 5.3 million acres were covered against the target of 5.97 million acres. It is 88 percent of the target for current season but is higher if compared to 4.48 million acres during the previous season.

Abdullah said that the government introduced a substantial package in the budget for the farmers by giving subsidy on fertilizers, reducing interest rates on loans, and other support measures.

He also stated that the departments remained proactive in training of farmers for the management of pink bollworm as well as leaf burning syndrome. The joint efforts of private sector and department of agriculture resulted in a substantial increase in the area under cotton. Moreover, cotton prices are also encouraging for farmers.

The representative of Punjab province stated that the cotton crop survey report will be released by Nov 15 and the accurate figures of area will be presented. He stated that the parameters for production - plant population, bolls per plant and boll weight - are better than those of last year. The representative of Sindh stated that cotton picking progressed well so far in the province, and it is expected that the target for production will be achieved.

The representative of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa stated that around 1,865 acres of cotton crop have been cultivated in DI Khan. He stated that 15-18 maunds per acre yield obtained with application of only two-three sprays and seed cotton prices also ranged Rs 3100 and 3250 per maund. He stated that the government should support farmers through provision of quality seed, fertilizer and pesticide at subsidized rate, besides making procurement arrangements.

The secretary Textile Division stated that the government is making all out efforts towards boosting cotton production by providing equal support measures for all stakeholders. He said that the federal government and Pakistan Central Cotton Committee (PCCC) are coordinating and networking to increase cotton production. He mentioned the commendable work of the department of agriculture of government of Punjab.

He appreciated the special interest of secretary agriculture Punjab. He stated that Sindh Seed Corporation will also be activated in coordination with provincial government for supply of quality cotton seed. He stated that the efforts will also be made for establishing a ‘cotton ginning factory’ in central cotton zone of the Balochistan for facilitating farmers in marketing of their produce.