BEIJING, May 10 (APP): Pakistani cotton experts expressed confidence in the development of local cotton-related industry and yarn export to China and other parts of the world, which is increasing every year despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to data from the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China, China imported more than $168 million worth of cotton yarn from Pakistan in the first three months of this year of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (GACC).
In the first quarter of 2022, uncombed single cotton yarn (commodity code 52051200) comprising 85 percent or more exceeded $133 million.
The export of cotton yarn (commodity code 52051100) from Pakistan to China reached $33.30 million, up from $34.06 million the previous year during the same period. In the first quarter of 2022, uncombed cabled cotton yarn (commodity code 52053200) exports to China exceeded $1.50 million.
Pakistan imported more than 51147.28 tonnes of cotton yarn in the first quarter of 2022. As a result of COVID-19, cotton yarn imports increased in quantity and value last year.
Dr. Tassawar Hussain Malik, Director of the Pakistan Central Cotton Committee (PCCC), Ministry of National Food Security and Research, told China Economic Net that the main reason for cotton yarn export is price and that both farmers and exporters benefit from China’s low prices. He went on to say that Pakistan has high-quality cotton since it is hand-picked.
“The agreed minimum price was Rs 5500 per 40KG last year, and cotton groups requested Rs 8000 this year to maintain domestic supply because Pakistan’s textile business is flourishing and local demands have increased,” he explained.
He went on to say that both countries’ germplasm resources are complementary. Pakistan’s cotton sector could benefit from Chinese technology and new seed kinds.
Cotton plant protection, according to experts, is still a major issue in cotton production, and authorities must address it, as roughly 20% of the cotton crop/output is lost each year.
According to them, the following are the reasons for damaged cotton crops in the last five years: Cotton leaf curl disease (CLCuD) Disease: 10-15%, Insects Disease Complex: 40-45 percent, PBW: 10-15%, Whitefly: 10-12%, Other insects: 5-6%, Cotton leaf curl disease (CLCuD) Disease: 10-15%
According to experts, last year’s pink bollworm invasion was severe, with at least 200kg per acre destroyed due to PBW, equating to about 15 lac bales.
They also stated that streamlining seed trait technologies for insect resistance and strengthening national and provincial plant protection systems are required, as back-to-back heavy rainfall spells in 2019 and 2020 caused drainage issues in Sindh, resulting in the loss of approximately 1 million bales each year.