Industry fears 24% drop in cotton output

11 Nov '05

2 min read

Unseasonal rains and worm attacks are expected to lower Pakistan's cotton output this year.

Industry sources comparing last year's record-breaking performance say a 24.30 percent shortfall in cotton output is anticipated.

Expectation of a bumper crop earleir this year had raised hopes as fresh stock started making way to the mandis or markets.

Traditional cotton growing areas like Sahiwal, Khanewal, Multan, Vehari, Rahimyar Khan and Muzaffargarh were hit by the worm attacks, but prompt action by the advisory service of the pest control department helped avert the crisis.

August was unsually hot this year, thus stopping the spread of worms but unseasonal rains in September caused the worms to rise and attack standing crops.

Meanwhile, industry insiders reported that 4.737 million cotton bales have made way to the ginning factories in Punjab and Sindh, compared with the previous year's 6.258 million bales.

The Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA) fortnightly report informs that 33,35,712 bales from 20 areas of Punjab arrived at factories as against last year's 48,27,833 bales till Nov 1.

However, an overall shortfall of 48.11 percent in cotton output is expected, due to which mills and spinners may go for imports from neighbour India, Brazil and the USA.

Sindh output was estimated so far at 14,01,780 bales against 14,30,736 bales, last year indicating a marginal shortfall in output that have pushed the cotton rates up, slightly.
Government's support price rate for Phutti was Rs 975 per 40 kg and that of lint Rs 2,269 a maund, it is learnt.

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