Cotton production estimates revised downward

LAHORE: The estimates of cotton production have officially been revised downwards, projecting total production of 11.039 million bales of 170kg each against earlier prediction of 11.272 million bales.

The decline of 230,000 bales is largely being seen in the Punjab province where 7.3 million bales production are expected against the earlier estimates of 7.5 million bales. Sindh is likely to produce 3.7 million bales, which is almost at par with the earlier projected figures.

According to the second meeting of the Cotton Crop Assessment Committee (CCAC) for the season 2016-17, which was held to assess the area and volume of cotton, under the chairmanship of Hassan Iqbal, Federal Secretary, Ministry of Textile Industry, observed that cotton sowing had decreased by 21 per cent in Punjab.

However, it had increased by two per cent in Sindh, with an overall decrease by 15 per cent over the last year.This decrease in area has proportionately depicted in the production as well.Growers’ representatives from Punjab agreed to the assessment whereas chairman Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA) was of the opinion that the crop size in Punjab was about 7.5 to 8.0 million bales. Considering the point of view of the important stakeholder, the chair, in concurrence of the house, declared the production of Punjab as 7.3 million bales.

The cotton growers emphasized the need for extensive awareness campaign for pest management or rain damage. It is further added all the data was based on 170kg bale weight.The secretary MinTex stated that the cotton crop size was assessed on the basis of data provided by provincial governments, which have a good infrastructure for the same, and ensured the third assessment will be held after 3-4 weeks’ time.

Khalid Abdullah, the cotton commissioner, explained the overview of cotton crop production in the country and challenges faced by the cotton crop, especially of climate and pests like pink boll worm and white fly.