KHAIRPUR, Oct 11: Cotton growers of the district held a meeting here on Monday at the residence of president of the Abadgar Ittehad Shakir Shah to discuss a strategy in the wake of the low price being offered for the produce.

The meeting observed that cotton ginning factories were not paying the price fixed by the government at Rs925 per 40kg but they and commission agents were paying Rs700 to Rs750 for 40kg of cotton.

The meeting noted that the Trading Corporation of Pakistan had not yet started cotton procurement in the district which gave a free hand to cotton ginners and commission agents.

They said that by selling cotton at lower prices, farmers could not recover expenses incurred on seed, fertilizers and pesticides. They regretted that the government did not take interest in ensuring that farmers received fixed price for cotton.

They said that prices of seeds and fertilizers frequently increased which led to rising cost of agriculture production. Participants of the meeting decided to launch a district-wide protest movement if price fixed by the government for cotton was not paid to farmers.

They also decided to engage a panel of lawyers for legal assistance and court proceedings if needed. Meanwhile, cotton growers held protest demonstrations in Pacca Chang, Sobhodero, Agra and Razidero, demanding fixed price for cotton.

WATER ROTATION: Authorities of the east irrigation division, Khairpur, have announced a water rotation programme. According to the schedule, the Sanhro Wah, Bilawal Wah, Sada Rang Wah, Son Wah, Kapri Minor, Kubar Wah, Ali Gang Minor, Sangi Minor and the Halepoto Minor will remain closed till Oct 16.