Over 12.65 million of cotton reached the ginneries across the country as of March 3, 2010, says a report released by Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association. The association says Sanghar leads the nation in the production of cotton this year. Sanghar so far has produced 1.867 million of cotton bales, showing 5 lakh bales or 42 percent increase as compared to previous year.
Last year, Sanghar produced 1.30 million bales or 14.2 million maunds of cotton. There are 73 cotton factories in Sanghar, while 16 new factories would start functioning from next season. Among 73 functioning factories, results of two cotton-ginning factories are expected to come by the end of current month. The fibre is mostly picked from August to March and the 2010-11 crop is being already planted in some areas.
With Sanghar, being on top, Rahimyar Khan, Bahawalnagar and Bahawalpur and Hyderabad ranked second, third, fourth and fifth position respectively in terms of cotton production. Statistics, revealed by the Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association, show that in Punjab, Rahimyar Khan secures top position by producing 1.277 million cotton bales, while Bahalwalnagar comes second, producing 1.05 million bales, and Bahawalpur comes third by producing 8 lakhs bales.
In Sindh, Hyderabad, Nawabshah and Mirpurkhas produced 4 lakhs, 3,71,000 and 3,84,000 bales respectively. Sanghar, now the country's largest cotton-growing area, has cultivated cotton crop over 0.135 million acres. This year, the farm value of Sanghar cotton and cottonseed production is approximately Rs 40 billion.
Locals demand that like gas and oil, cotton royalty should be awarded for the social sector upgradation programmes of the production area. If provided only one percent of its share, Sanghar could get Rs 40 million, which is badly needed in district like Sanghar.
Last year, rates of cotton crop closed at Rs 1600 per maund in Sanghar market. Following increase in demand by the textile mills in the country, this year cotton prices ranged between Rs 2400 and Rs 2600 per maund. Sanghar is not only attractive market for surrounding cotton growing cities like Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas and Badin, but also for cities of Balochistan for offering lucrative rates.
Cotton insects are the principal cause of yield losses. Different measures were taken by Agriculture Department to control the attack of mealy bug. Patches were ablaze as a precautionary measure. Local agriculture authorities claim better planning and caring for better yield.