MULTAN: Cotton prices in local market moved up by Rs200 on Monday. There was also an increase of up to Rs150 in phutti (seed cotton) rates. Meanwhile, the Karachi Cotton Association revised its rate to Rs8,000.

Experts said that after a successful meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, cotton markets across the world are coming out of the declining price trend. An upward trend in prices was noted in the cotton markets of New York, China, India on Monday which was replicated in Pakistan too. Cotton prices in India increased by Rs100 too.

Spokesman Punjab Agriculture Department Nuhammad Rafique Akhtar said the department has deputed special teams for continuous monitoring in South Punjab following reports of locust attacks in some areas of Sindh and Balochistan.

“At Punjab level, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority and administration of Bahawalpur and Dera Ghazi Khan Divisions are in close contact. The provincial government has also purchased pesticides to combat with possible attack of locusts. If required, many areas of Cholistan where vehicles cannot be reached, the spray will be managed using camels,” he said.

The following deals were reported to have changed hands on ready counter: 400 bales, station Rahim Yar Khan, at Rs8,675; 1600 bales, Tando Adam, at Rs8,200; 800 bales, Mirpurkhas, at Rs8,200; 400 bales, Sanghar, at Rs8,225; and 200 bales, Hyderabad, at Rs8,075.

Published in Dawn, July 2nd, 2019