Surge in cotton production brings relief to growers, ginners in Sindh

Hyderabad: A surge in cotton production in Sindh during this season has brought relief to seed cotton producers and ginners, despite several ongoing challenges. According to the Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association's (PCGA) Aug 31 fortnight cotton bales arrival report, cotton bale production at countrywide ginning factories reached 16,96,451 bales, up from last year's 13,35,632 in the same period.

Sindh leads in cotton production with 11,39,354 bales, compared to 870,062 bales last year. When compared to Punjab, the largest province, Sindh's production is 31pc higher. The increase in Sindh can be attributed to factors such as moderate rains and changing cultivation practices, leading to higher yields. Cotton growers in Sindh are now getting rates of 9,500 to Rs10,000 per bale, compared to Rs11,000 to Rs12,000 in June.

Despite the increase, challenges remain, including climate change, pest attacks, and tax levies on oilcake production by ginners. PCGA chairman Sham Lal suggested a reduction in taxes to encourage cotton production, which could extend into December with additional inputs to save the crop.