The Pakistani Government is making efforts to enhance cotton production and achieve the target of 15 million bales set for next year, according to Abdul Razak Dawood, advisor to the prime minister on commerce, textile, industry and production, and investment, who recently chaired a meeting during his visit to the Cotton Research Institute (CRI) in Punjab’s Multan. Urging farmers to produce contamination-free cotton that would fetch better prices in the international market, Dawood said policies are being revised so that growers do not shift to other crops. CRI director Saghir Ahmed said high temperature and shortage of water are two main factors that reduced cotton produce. Duties on raw material imports would be reduced in the upcoming national budget and more relief would be provided to farmers and the business community, Dawood said in the city while addressing a ceremony at the Industrial Estate Area.
