LAHORE, Nov 11: A majority of cotton growers are facing a severe crisis as the crop has been heavily affected by pest attack, says former National Assembly speaker Fakhr Imam.

In a statement here on Sunday, Imam said the initial price of cotton in September and October varied between Rs 650 to Rs 750 per 40 kg. “Now as the yield has not been up to the expectations, the prices of cotton have started rising in the last few days.”

He said cotton received in the ginneries up to Oct 31, 2001, was 16 per cent below as compared to last year arrivals by that date.

Challenging the official forecasts of 10.6 million bales, he said reports emanating from different areas of southern Punjab had a different story to tell. “These unofficial estimates show that the size of the crop will be less than the last year’s.”

According to him, a majority of the cotton growers would suffer heavy financial losses due to lower yield and depressed prices.

He urged the government to carry out a survey on a districtwise basis to assess the loss incurred by the cotton growers.

On the basis of the proposed survey, he said, the farmers be given credit through banks for in-time wheat sowing.

WATER CRISIS: The former speaker proposed a cut in electricity charges for irrigation tubewells to lessen the impact of water shortage. He also called for reduction in diesel price and electricity connection fee for tubewell.