'Turkey should stockpile cotton for future like China'

16 Nov '13

2 min read

Cotton is the backbone of the Turkish textile industry and immediate action should be taken against the risk of decline in the production of the crop, and the country should also start stockpiling cotton for future like China, said Baris Kocagoz, president of Turkey’s National Cotton Council (NPC) and chairman of the Izmir Mercantile Exchange (ITB).

The NPC chief said Chinese agricultural and textile associations stockpile cotton in warehouses to avoid damage to the crop and use them in time of low yield and crisis, reports DHA news agency.

Mr. Kocagoz explained that the Turkish textile industry has been facing tough times since three years due to a decline in the production of cotton in the country and it is necessary to take an emergency action plan.

The NPC chief said the cotton acreage in Turkey has also decreased by 18 percent during last cotton harvest period and the yield in eastern and southeastern provinces of the country suffered due to the attack of pests.

Mr. Kocagoz suggested that the country should store cotton in licensed warehouses so that in times of crisis, the stored cotton can be sold at a reasonable price level. If this system is successfully established in Turkey then the country’s textile and agricultural sector could be well maintained and could run smoothly, he added.

The NPC is the first multi-sector and non-governmental organization in Turkey which aims to increase the cotton cultivation and manufacturing of cotton products in the country, whilst ensuring the sustainability of trade and industries, in order to improve the global competitiveness of the sector.

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India

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