Need to revolutionise cotton industry in country

Islamabad: The CGSS organised a seminar ‘Need for Revolutionising the Cotton Industry in Pakistan’ on Wednesday at Margala Hotel, says a press release.

The Centre for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS) arranged a seminar on “Need for Revolutionizing the Cotton Industry in Pakistan”. The event brought together government representatives, armed forces officers, diplomats, experts from cotton and textile industry and students from across the country and individuals from public and private entities.

The aim and focus of the seminar was to highlight the revolutionary role of the cotton industry in the development of Pakistan. Furthermore, the challenges that are being faced by the industry and the remedial measures to counter these challenges that will result in the increased cotton production.

Lieutenant General Muhammad Zahir Ul Islam HI(M), (r) - Chairman CGSS in his opening remarks stated that the economy of Pakistan is highly dependent on its cotton and textile sectors, which face significant challenges and opportunities in an environment of fluctuating world prices, macroeconomic instability, and changes in the global trade regime for textiles and apparel.

Malik Zahoor Ahmed - senior adviser Ministry of National Food Security and Research was the chief guest at the occasion. He stated that since the inception of mankind on earth there is a connection between cotton production and human being. The finest quality of cotton was found at the Moenjo Daro. Cotton can bring revolution and prosperity for a nation. He talked about agricultural development and national security.

Ali Pervaiz Malik- chairman Punjab, All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) highlighted the socio-economic significance of textile industry by stating facts i.e. the textile industry has 8.5% Share In GDP, 62% Share in Exports. He further stated that this industry has the potential to double the exports. He further compared the textile industry of Pakistan with other neighbouring countries including India, Bangladesh, Vietnam and Sri Lanka, and stated that out of all the countries, only Pakistan is the one experiencing negative growth which is alarming for the development of the country.

Dr. Yusuf Zafar - chairman Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) enlightened the audience regarding risk management and options for cotton production in Pakistan. He highlighted the challenges pertaining to the cotton industry in Pakistan and presented an extensive way-forward for the improvement of the sector. According to him, we are facing low cotton yield because of area stagnation, Higher Input Cost for Production and Encroachment by Sugarcane and Corn, which are considered as a High Delta Crops.

Dr. Irfan Baig - Dean Faculty of Social Sciences & Humanities, Muhammad Nawaz Sharif University of Agriculture, Multan in his address highlighted cotton production in Punjab, the constraints and future strategy. He stated that Punjab contributes more than 70% of total cotton production of Pakistan and is the source of livelihood to 1.626 million families. He stated that according to statistics of 2016-2017 Pakistan is among top 10 in cotton producing countries.

Khalid Abdullah - Cotton Commissioner Ministry of Textile enlightened the audience about the Pakistan Government’s initiative toward the cotton industry. He stated that 95 billion income is generated by cotton cultivation in the rural economy. He further highlighted the causes behind the low yield of cotton production in Pakistan. In addition, he presented some of the recommendations to deal with the issues pertaining to the cotton industry in Pakistan.

Mukhtar Ahmed Khan Baloch - Former Chairman Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association highlighted the solutions to the problems faced by the cotton industry in Pakistan. He stated that all the relevant stakeholders need to work together and collectively for the progress and development of this sector. He stated that effective steps are needed to be taken to increase the cotton production. Quoting the example of India, he stated that in 1993 the cotton production of India was lesser than Pakistan but after their agreement with INCENTO their cotton production increased. Pakistan must also collaborate with INCENTO to elevate its cotton production.

About 200 people including the senior members of CGSS Advisory Board, government representatives, armed forces officers, diplomats, students and experts from cotton and textile industry attended the seminar.