Cotton production declines in 2007

Cotton production at 11 million bales in 2007 as compared to 13.02 million bales of last year shows a decline of 2.02 million bales. The performance of textile industry during the last five years has been satisfactory but in the current year increase in cotton prices.
Textile sector is a backbone of our country, contributing 60 percent of our exports, 46 percent of total manufacturing and 38 percent to employment. So, textile is an important sector of the country''s economy and Pakistan should focus on optimal utilisation of its strength since it comprises 60 percent of the country exports, CNBC reported.
The availability of cheap labour and basic cotton as raw material for textile industry has played the major role in the growth of the cotton and textile industry in the country.