Pakistani cotton demand increasing in international markets

MULTAN: Director General Pest Warning & Quality Control of Pesticides Punjab Muhammad Zafaryab Haider has said that demand of Pakistani cotton is increasing in the international markets.

He expressed these views during his visit to Multan, Khokhran, Shujabad, Galewal and Lodhran areas in connection with monitoring of ongoing activities of agriculture pest warning and technical guidance to growers to achieve the cotton sowing targets.

The DG said that cotton was the only crop which earned foreign exchange the most for the country during the last 70 years. He hoped that cotton crop would be profitable this year and urged growers to follow the recommendations, issued by the Agriculture Department for cultivation of cotton crop.

He said Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA) has shown interest in providing Rs 200 per maund extra premium to growers over clean cotton picking due to increasing demand of cotton. He said that canal water's availability would remain better during recent Khareef season especially in cotton crop areas.

He said Rs 800 on potash and Rs 500 subsidy on DAP per bag was being offered for proper use of fertilizers and to reduce cost of production on cotton crop.

He said there were chances of less pink bollworm attack on cotton crop this year due to better off-season management. He advised growers to complete cotton sowing by May 31 and cultivate recommended cotton seeds only.

He urged growers to keep strength of 35,000 cotton plants per acre. He said the Agriculture Department officials were paying visits to cotton zones continuously to provide guidance to cotton growers.

Director Agriculture (Extension) Faiz Ahmad Kundi, Deputy Director Pest Warning Chaudhry Muhammad Ashraf and others were also present.