ISLAMABAD, July 2: Balochistan province showed remarkable progress in cotton production recording an output of 98,000 bales of cotton during the current season. According to official sources this production was from 39,000 hectare acres of land.

Cotton sowing in Balochistan achieved 97pc of the set target of 40,162 hectares during 2003-04. The provincial governments had undertaken collaborative efforts to introduce cotton cultivation in paddy growing areas of Khuzdar and Pat Feeder (Dera Murad Jamali).

The cotton is exceptionally good and of excellent quality. The seeds of two varieties Nayab-78 and CIM-109 were cultivated, which gave remarkable results. Being new areas there is no threat of any pest so that we want to initiate Integrated Pest Management Programme in Balochistan so that pest situation in Balochistan does not flare up.

Three ginning factories have been set up in the cotton growing area for processing the commodity and to facilitate the cotton growers. The private sector is being encouraged to set up more ginning factories in Khuzdar area.

Besides ginning factories the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) has set up procurement canters. Necessary premium has also been provided for better grade and quality cotton by the TCP.

Some incentives including distribution of 50pc free of cost seed amongst the growers and technical assistance was provided in the area to educate the farmers to grow cotton because it consumes lesser irrigation water as compared to rice. -APP