Although the federal and provincial governments have been asked to share a subsidy for sugar export, the profundity of cotton-related industry for greater exports cannot be under-estimated. In a highly important development, parliamentarians from cotton growing areas have been added to Pakistan Central Cotton Committee (PCCC). According to reports, Minister for Commerce and Textile Pervaiz Malik has expanded Pakistan Central Cotton Committee (PCCC) by including four parliamentarians from cotton growing areas in the body with a view to preparing well thought-out proposals to increase cotton production. In its last meeting which was held on Friday, the PCCC also finalised steps to motivate D. I. Khan farmers to increase areas under cotton cultivation.

In addition to higher cost of doing business that has led to closure of numerous textile units in the country, the lower production of cotton has marred the textile exports. The situation, therefore, has led to creating lower textile output and reduced exports. The parliamentarians who have been added to PCCC, are, therefore, required to help revive cotton growth in an effective and meaningful manner. Higher sugar output cannot overshadow the importance of cotton.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2017