PCGA rejects PSC-approved two new cotton varieties

The Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA) has rejected two of the 18 new cotton varieties recently approved by the Punjab Seed Council for cultivation.

PCGA Chairman Amanullah Qureshi said two newly evolved cotton varieties – FH-114 and BT-121 – have low micronaire value of 5.5 and 5.6 respectively, and these have a short staple length, while the global demand is for cotton of long staple length.

He said the PSC’s decision goes against the interests of the farmers and it would be harmful to the agricultural sector.

He warned the farmers that the ginners would be reluctant to purchase their cotton if they sow any of these two new varieties of cotton. Hence, he urged them not to cultivate those varieties and asked them to not succumb to forced marketing activities of those seed makers.

The PCGA chief said the ginners association had even earlier opposed the approval of those two varieties of cotton, including at a meeting chaired by Mr. Ahmed Ali Aulakh.

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Chinese cotton acreage may fall in new season

Nearly 40 percent of Chinese cotton farmers might reduce their cotton acreage in 2012, says a report released by a Chinese cotton body.

Despite the government making aggressive cotton purchases for the state reserves, it has not been able to arrest the downslide in prices.

Cotton prices dropped sharply in 2011 compared with the previous year. This coupled with rising costs of growing cotton, has led to an ebbing of enthusiasm among cotton farmers.

According to a survey of the China Cotton Association, around 40 percent of farmers might reduce their cotton acreage in 2012-13 season; the same percentage may maintain their acreage and rest have still not made up their mind.

Based on weighted average intention of surveyed farmers, farmers across China intend to decrease their cotton acreage by 10.5 percent on average in 2012-13.



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