Programme, initiated by the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Authority (Smeda) during last season, to develop ginning sector, has started bearing fruits, as after modification of certain machines, the production rate in ginning factories has enhanced by 30 percent.
The up-gradation work of the ginning sector was launched by the Smeda with the objective, to help the Ginning Industry to reduce the processing cost, said Head of the Technical Services Group, Smeda, Shahid Chaudhry while talking to Business Recorder here on Monday.
According to him, a scheme was started on the basis of Matching Grant to implement this development programme as pilot project. Five units in Moro, Dharki, Lodhran, Khanpur (Rahim Yar Khan) and Bahawalpur were selected on the recommendations of Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA).
The modification of these units was made with 50 percent cost sharing by Smeda. Total cost of the modification was Rs 300,000 each. Normal rib size being used in the Ginning Machine was 17 mm, as per Smeda's developed standard size was reduced to 14 mm enabling to accommodate 115 Saws in each machine instead of 100. Smeda also selected five units (2 in Sindh and 3 in Punjab) to install the feed control system in order to reduce the electrical load.
Talking about the results, Shahid averred that the normal production rate with 5 machines was 10 Bales/hr. (2 bales per machine). Now with Smeda's interventions, production rate has increased by 30 percent ie 13 Bales/hr with the same set of 5 machines and same electrical load. In some areas production of 15 Bales/hr has also been achieved. The quality of Gin Cotton has also increased. Similarly, he maintained that the locally developed Saws with Smeda help (approved by Smeda stamped) for the ginning machine are 50 percent cheaper than imported Saws with same quality and results.
In order to create awareness amongst the ginners about improvement of production through the modification, Smeda has a plan to disseminate these standards through holding seminars right after the current season. Smeda also has a plan to introduce the modification in Baling Press and Moisture Control System in order to reduce the Energy Cost with losing any quality on the matching grant basis through PCGA next season.
Industries Minister Jahangir Khan Tareen is also expected to visit upgraded ginning units at Bahawalpur and Rahim Yar Khan.