ISLAMABAD: Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani on Friday tasked Standing Committee on Commerce Chairman Mirza Muhammad Afridi to prepare a comprehensive report assessing the decline in cotton production and exports in consultation with concerned ministries and research institutions.

The decision was taken when a four-member delegation of Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA) held a meeting with the Senate chairman at the Parliament House. The PCGA delegation led by PCGA Chairman Dr Jassu Mal Leemani briefed Mr Sanjarni about the substantial decrease in the cultivation and production of cotton crop. Senators Afridi and Dr Ashok Kumar also attended the meeting.

Sanjrani emphasised the need for coordination between the ministries of commerce and national food security as well as the agricultural research departments. He stressed that private sector should be involved in the research for production of quality seeds.

New varieties of cotton seeds and access of modern machinery to the common farmers could improve the cultivation and production, he added.

Expressing concern over the decline in cotton cultivation and production in the country, Sanjrani said that cotton was a trademark of Pakistan. Good quality cotton was produced in Pakistan which subsequently ensured products of high quality cloth exports, he added.

Published in Dawn, October 10th, 2020