Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA) has said that the 79th General Body meeting of Pakistan Central Cotton Committee (PCCC) increased Cotton Cess to Rs 50 per bale from previously charged Rs 20 without consultation of ginners. Chairman of PCGA Masood A Majeed and vice chairman Nawab Shehzad Ali Khan said that Government should take all the stake holders into confidence before enhancing any tax / cess / levy.
However PCCC spokesman said that we had consulted with All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) to generate revenue for "agriculture research" in the country. He said the Cotton Cess has not been increased in the last three years and the willingness of stakeholders to increase the Cess would pay its dividends in the form of better research outcomes by the scientists.
"Cotton is an exceedingly important crop for our industry and the government is trying its best to increase production of the crop. Agreement with Monsanto is a step in that direction. Internationally compatible pricing for agriculture produces is an ideal mechanism to motivate the farmers. Agriculture research base will be enhanced to increase the per acre yield to meet the growing demands of the country," said the Minister.The spokesman further said the Cotton Crop Assessment Committee (CCAC) had assessed the total production of 11 million bales was expected despite the worst floods in the country.
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