September 20, 2003	Saturday	Rajab 22, 1424

SADIKABAD, Sept 19: Pakistan has succeeded in securing second position in exporting contamination-free lint cotton from the eighteenth position in international market.

This was stated by Doc-tor Qadir Bux Baloch, fede-ral cotton and wheat commissioner, Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Livestock and Doctor Islam Gul, director Central Research Institute, Multan while addressing a meeting of cultivators, members of Cotton Ginners Association, Seeds Companies Associa-tion, Merchants and Grain Market Association on Thursday.

The cotton commissioner was confident that the target of 10.05 million of cotton bales would be achieved despite onslaught of worms and insects. He advised the cultivators to protect the cotton crop as sacred asset and avoid using plastic bags and jute sacks, which were strictly banned.

He said the restrictions, imposed from this season, would definitely yield tangible results and assist in removing 70 per cent contamination from the cotton.

Replying to a question, he said the maximum moisture limit allowed was five to eight per cent.

Addressing on the occasion Doctor Islam Gul expressed the hope that the cotton production in Multan, Mailsi, Bahawalpur and Rahim Yar Khan districts would be excellent.