Pakistan cotton ginning takes off to slow start

Pakistan's new cotton ginning season has begun slowly, with only one ginning unit operational in each of Sindh and Punjab provinces. The delay is due to farmers focusing on their recently harvested wheat crop and the government's delay in announcing a cotton price.

Cotton picking has started in southern Sindh, with initial prices between Rs 9,500 and Rs 10,700 per 40kg. However, high temperatures are hindering cotton sowing in other areas.

Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA) and All-Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) met to discuss the situation, but no concrete solutions were reached. A cotton expert criticized APTMA for not taking the issue seriously, pointing out that textile mills prioritize cheaper imported cotton over higher-quality domestic cotton.

Meanwhile, international cotton prices are rising, with futures trading at 80.52 cents per pound in New York. Unfavorable weather conditions have affected cotton cultivation in Pakistan this season, with both cold spells and high temperatures impacting crops.

The chairman of the Cotton Ginners Forum suggested that the government should focus on reviving existing textile mills instead of building a new garment city.