The Farmers Association of Pakistan (FAP) reviewing the current situation of cotton crops claims the mealy bug and leaf curl virus only ravaged 25 percent of the crops. The mealy bug damaged 15 percent of the crop while leaf curl virus 10 percent, FAP said in a meeting of standing committee here on Friday.
The meeting also found that the non-availability of quality pesticides would add to the shortage of cotton and urged the government to ensure the availability of quality pesticides on controlled prices. It said cotton crops were ready in Sindh and those in Punjab would also be ready in 15 to 20 days.
"In this situation, there is no sense to import 60,000 bales of cotton from India by Aptma. It will decrease the prices of locally produced seed cotton. It urged the government not to allow import of cotton from India. If Aptma persists in importing cotton lint from India through Wahga, the government should also allow the import of agri-inputs including pesticides, fertiliser and farm machinery which are cheaper and beneficial for our farmers," a FAP spokesman said.