It is about to be placed as cotton production falls 34%

Lahore:

Pakistan for the Business Forum forum (PBF) for South Punjab Malik Suhail Talat expressed concern about the recent data published by Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association, which showed only 5.524 million balls in the era of cotton. 8.393 million.

It attributes the reduction to various challenges facing the cotton sector, in particular the lack of modern research, the absence of the export facility (EFS) and taxation. The general tax on sales (GST) by 18% of oil, cotton seeds and oil has exacerbated the situation, contributing to a 34% decline in cotton production.

Data collapse showed that at the arrival of Sindh Cotton in launch factories reached 2.8 million balls, reflecting a 32% decline annually, while in Punjab, another important area that develops cotton, production was recorded by 36% to 2.7 million balls.

Talat also pointed out the negative impact of the government’s decision to relieve imported cotton and sales tax yarn, which is “harmful to local cotton”. Imported raw cotton is said to cost the industry about $ 5 billion and causes market volatility.

Expressing reservations about the EFS Committee set up by the prime minister, he argued that there was no need for such a body, referring to the minutes of reviving the Cotton Committee meeting held at the Ministry of National Food Food last month. During the meeting, all relevant bodies underlined the need to eliminate the EFS body without any need for any further committees.

The PBF employee also called for the immediate removal of 18% GST in local cotton produced, adding that timely and decisive actions were necessary to revitalize the cotton industry, especially as the sowing period for cultivation 2025-26 was both in Punjab and Sindh.

“We need to ensure that our cotton farmers are encouraged and supported by favorable policies. This is the only way for the future of Pakistan’s cotton industry,” Talat noticed.

It is worth noting that Pakistan, which is one of the top 10 worldwide cotton producers, is struggling to meet consumer expectations due to adverse weather conditions, parasite contamination and structural ineffective in the field.