ISLAMABAD: The large-scale manufacturing (LSM) posted a paltry growth of 1.14 per cent in the first month of this fiscal year from a year ago.

The industrial output expanded thanks to growth in 11 categories of items in the month under review over the corresponding month of last year, suggested data of Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) issued on Monday.

Major contribution towards the growth was from textile 1.51pc; food and beverages 7.78pc; petroleum products 2.81pc, engineering products 33.04pc; rubber products 5.51pc; pharmaceuticals 7.54pc; fertilisers 5.43pc; electronics 2.80pc; chemicals 8.70pc; leather products 0.67pc; iron and steel products 10.49pc.

Some sectors, like non-metallic mineral products witnessed a negative growth of 13.21pc; wood products 73.54pc; automobiles 9.58pc; paper and board 1.01pc during the month under review.

Industry specific data showed that many sub-sectors didn’t perform well in July 2014 over the corresponding month of last year.

The production of refrigerators recorded a positive growth of 9.07pc; deepfreezers 36.06pc; air-conditioners was increased by 4.41pc; electric fans 4.33pc; electric transformers 5.21pc; TV sets 1.17pc; storage batteries 5.22pc; and bicycles 36.01pc.

However, the production of electric bulbs declined by 29.96pc; electric motors 0.96pc; electric meters 21.18pc; and switch gears 35.83pc during July 2014 the same month last year.

The growth was witnessed in case of food, beverages and toba­cco. The sector has adjusted weigh­tage of 12.37pc in LSM basket.

However, negative growth of 1.14 pc was witnessed in vegetable ghee production. The cooking oil production was up by 1.98pc and tea blended by 7.60pc.

The production of trucks was up by 30.12pc; tractors 6.95pc; buses 32.35; LCVs 1.29pc and motorcycles 2.42pc while jeep and cars production witnessed 24.48pc decline.

Published in Dawn, September 23rd , 2014