KARACHI, Dec 20: The Improved flow of phutti from cotton fields in Punjab has greatly helped narrow down the overall shortfall in cotton production caused by short crop in Sindh.

During the last fortnight (Dec 1 to 15), cotton production totalled 10.228 million bales or 0.09 per cent higher compared to the corresponding period last year.

However, the overall fortnightly flow of phutti continues to show declining trend and it is an indicator that the higher flow from Punjab could not last much longer and may even result in short crop in coming months as the second picking is in advanced stages and would soon slow down.

The official figures released by the Pakistan Cotton Ginners’ Association (PCGA) show that flow of phutti during last fortnight (Dec 1 to 15) remained short by 188,749 bales at 1.249 million bales as against arrival of 1.438 million bales in the same period last year.

The higher flow of phutti in Punjab is somehow helping to record higher production wherein a total of 8.211 million bales have been produced, so far (Dec 15) or 2.45 per cent higher against 8.015 million bales produced last year.

Production of cotton in Sindh is lagging behind wherein a total of 2.016 million bales have been produced up to Dec 15, compared to 2.204 million bales last year. A huge shortfall of around 8.50 per cent is likely to have greater impact on overall production of cotton in the country.

It is interesting to note that last year (2005-06), Sindh and Punjab recorded steep fall in cotton production by recording 9.93 per cent and 13.80 per cent decline, respectively, over the production recorded a year ago.

Nevertheless, off-take of cotton by millers continues to be higher at 8.016 million bales as against 7.490 million bales in the corresponding period last year. Exporters also purchased larger quantity at 74,350 bales compared to 54,600 bales last year.

In total, 1,050 ginning units are presently operating in the country. Out of these, 863 are in Punjab and 187 units in Sindh.