In Punjab, most of the cotton crop was supplied canal water and it was impossible to provide water for all growers in one month because of the alternative supply system. PHOTO: FILE
However, industry players apprehend the decision will eventually lead to a reduction in cotton-sowing area, bring down overall production and hurt the national economy.
Decreasing productivity: Farmers decry poor seed quality causing low cotton production
In a statement, Cotton Ginners Forum Chairman Ihsanul Haq rejected the Punjab government’s ban on cotton sowing prior to April 15 under Section 144 on the grounds of saving the crop from pink bollworm.
He argued that pink bollworm butterflies attacked cotton flowers only and the Punjab government should allow sowing from March 25 so that flowers could open by May 10.
“By that time, the temperature remains high enough, which kills emerging pink bollworm adults, so the cotton crop will be safe and overall national production will not be impacted,” he said.
Bettering standard: Deal signed to transform cotton production
Haq pointed out that in Punjab most of the cotton crop was supplied canal water and it was impossible to provide water for all growers in one month because of the alternative supply system.
He asked the provincial government to permit cotton cultivation from March 25 in order to enable all farmers complete sowing easily and avert any hit to the production target.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 15th, 2017.
Like Business on Facebook, follow @TribuneBiz on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.
1726117332-0/Megan-Thee-Stallion-(1)1726117332-0-165x106.webp "article")
1735025557-0/Untitled-(96)1735025557-0-270x192.webp "christopher nolan casts zendaya tom holland anne hathaway and more in adaptation of the odyssey")
COMMENTS (1)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ