Cotton crop's indicators are very positive this year and demand of Pakistani cotton in the international market is increasing, said Additional Secretary Agriculture (Task Force) Punjab, Rana Ali Arshad. He also claimed that advance bargain of cotton is being done at Rs4200 per maund in Sindh province. He disclosed that the Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA) has agreed to pay additional Rs200 per maund as premium to cleanly picked cotton.
These views were expressed by him while addressing different growers' gatherings held at Harrappa, Chichawatni, Arif Wala, Pakpattan and others. Director General Agriculture (Pest Warning) Zafar Yab Haider, Director Agriculture (Extension) Farooq Javed, Rao Ashfaq and other officers were also present on this occasion.
Rana Ali Arshad further hoped that canal water supply would remain better during whole cotton season and government is extending subsidy on Pottassium based and DAP fertilizers to bring down the input cost and promote balanced use of fertilizers. He also claimed that possibilities of pink bollworm on cotton crop this year would remain low because of better off season pest management.
Speaking on this occasion Director General Pest Warning and Quality Control of Pesticides Syed Muhammad Zafaryab Haider advised the growers to complete their cotton sowing till May 31, 2019. He also threw light on different measures to get better per acre yield.