As demand of textile and spinning sectors in Pakistan increases in 2007-08, import of cotton from India is likely to touch around 3.5 million bales.
The cotton yield during this period may fall short by 3.1 million bales, of Pakistan Government's target to produce 14.14 million cotton bales.
Sources disclosed that during 2006-07 cotton mills procured around 11.80 million bales, out of total production of 12.40 million bales up till May 1. They also imported 1.75 million bales from USA, India and other countries during this period.
Country's spinning sector purchased the remaining 600,000 bales, and imported around 100,000 cotton bales from USA and India during this period.
In 2007-08, Punjab is planning to sow cotton on 6.326 million acres, Sindh would cultivate on 1.581 million acres, NWFP and Balochistan will share the remaining 0.14 million area for cotton production in 2007-08.
According to the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) estimated statistics, in 2007-08, world consumption of cotton is likely to touch around 122.64 million bales, with China at the top consumer with 50.04 million bales, India with 19.24 million bales, Pakistan may consume 12.20 million bales and the USA with 4.50 million bales.
It is estimated that world production would face a shortfall around 6.81 million bales, while Pakistan is likely to face a deficit of around 3 million bales.
The ICAC estimates about top producers of cotton in 2007-08, where in China tops and is likely to produce 29.96 million bales (each bale 480 pounds), USA stands second with 19.66 million bales production, India will produce 21.45 million bales and Pakistan will produce 10.16 million bales. The total world production is likely to reach 115.83 million bales.