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Cotton demand exceeds production in 2015-16: ICAC

04
Nov '16

Cotton output in 2015-16 fell due to pest attacks, competitive prices of other crops and climate changes, resulting in the demand for cotton exceeding production for the second consecutive year. An increase in the share of polyester in the world fibre market is also affecting cotton, making polyester the greatest competitive threat for cotton.

The issues pertaining to cotton and its cultivation were discussed at the international cotton advisory committee’s (ICAC) 75^th plenary meeting being held in Islamabad, Pakistan. The meeting was attended by 378 persons, including representatives from 14 Members, 4 international organizations and 4 non-member countries.

The International Textile Manufacturers Federation made presentations to demonstrate the basic challenges faced by cotton and textile industries – water, energy and the need for creative ideas. The federation suggested solutions such as developing cotton varieties that use less water, concentrating on reducing energy consumption in cotton gins and transportation, and creating and applying new ideas, especially for increasing efficiency and reducing costs to tackle the challenges.

Biotech cotton resistant to the whitefly is at advanced stages of development, said experts at the ICAC meeting. When commercialised, the new varieties will bring a big relief to growers.

The ICAC also noted that the Nairobi Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization, held in December 2015, had adopted a decision on cotton prohibiting export subsidies and calling for a further reduction in domestic support. The decision also calls for improvements to market access for least developed countries. The objective of the decision is to level the playing field for cotton exporters in the poorest countries, where the cotton sector is of vital importance.

The committee also decided that the topic for its 2017 technical seminar will be ‘Opportunities and Challenges for Technology Transfer in Cotton’. It also accepted Uzbekistan’s offer to host the 76^th plenary meeting to be held next year. (KD)

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