PM to inaugurate cotton conference in March

The government is focusing on giving a boost to the production of cotton, the largest cash crop of the country, through a number of programmes, stated Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Syed Fakhar Imam.

Chairing the annual meeting of Agriculture Policy Institute Committee on Seed Cotton (2022-23) on Wednesday, he revealed that Prime Minister Imran Khan would inaugurate the first cotton conference in March 2022.

The conference, being organised by the Ministry of National Food Security and Research, would bring key stakeholders on one platform to discuss the issues of farming community and prepare a future plan of action, said a press release.

On the occasion, Ministry of National Food Security and Research Secretary Tahir Khurshid highlighted the importance of cotton crop for economic growth. “This will be possible through quality seeds, better management practices and the efficient use of inputs,” he said.

He asked the farming communities to share their production cost estimates so that the ministry could work out an intervention price for the next crop. Regarding low crop yields, the secretary asked the research and extension departments to find out the factors responsible for the low productivity.

Earlier, the representatives of cotton growers expressed concern over the cultivation of the crop. They suggested that the ‘Cotton Vision 2015’ should be revisited and a new long-term strategy should be devised in consultation with the growers. Appreciating the government for announcing the intervention price of Rs5,000 per 40 kg for the crop, they noted that the move allowed the cotton growers to enhance their earnings.

The government may consider developing the approved varieties for early sowing, which will make a huge difference in the overall production, they suggested.

A grower from Barkhan (Balochistan) highlighted that organic cotton was getting the attention of growers.

“There is a great potential for growing organic cotton in Balochistan,” he said, adding that the government should encourage it through the provision of basic inputs and facilities.

The participants stressed the need for ensuring the availability of quality inputs, controlled prices – particularly of fertilisers, and electricity for tube wells.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 10^th, 2022.

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