FAP seeks government intervention to stabilise Phutti prices

Farmers Associates Pakistan (FAP) has demanded intervention of the government to stabilise fluctuating "Phutti prices" for safeguarding financial interests of the cotton growers. It urged the government to immediately direct the TCP to enter the market and start buying the lint at the price of Rs 7,000/37.324 kg till the market stabilises
In a meeting held here on Sunday FAP Board of Directors expressed deep concern over the current cotton scenario in which lack/black marketing of urea fertiliser along with it, extreme volatility in cotton prices is de-motivating cotton farmers.
The cotton crop is in its middle of the season during which farmers has to be highly motivated whereas Phutti prices below 2800/40kg are already frustrating cotton farmers as it is not even covering their cost of production, it added.
BOD warned that non-availability or very high prices of urea is discouraging them to use it in the required amount which may lead to a situation where Pakistan may miss the estimated target of 15 million bales
The president of FAP Dr Tariq Bucha said that months of August and September are very crucial for the cotton crop to set its fruit. During these months farmers need to be vigilant about the pest, which may affect the crop badly and hence can reduce the production, and must complete fertiliser application by the month of August or maximum by early September.
This year early cotton sowing has increased as compared to last year which has led to early arrival of cotton in the market. This unusual phenomenon has caused unprecedented fluctuation in the cotton market as it has resulted in artificial supply and demand gap. These factors can affect cotton production in current year and FAP thinks if government does not come up with some effective measures to countercheck these problems, it may have a deep and adverse impact on Pakistan's already dwindling economy. FAP warned the government that if this situation persists not only farmers will suffer badly but also at the same time Pakistan may lose 1.5 billion dollars from its foreign reserves to import the shortfall of 2.3 million bales.