The interim government has called for strict enforcement of cotton support prices and taken action against those exploiting the situation by purchasing cotton below the predetermined rate of Rs8,500 per 40kg.
Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar said that this year’s abundant cotton crop was a boon for the country, and it was essential for farmers to maximize their benefits. The government had clear instructions regarding the purchase price to shield the farmers from any losses.
The support price was initially fixed by former Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in March of this year. The Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that Mr. Kakar had taken notice of the situation where cotton was being purchased below the support price. He directed the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) to investigate the matter and submit a report.
On Sunday, interim prime minister convened a meeting with the Chief Ministers of Punjab and Sindh, instructing them to take action against those taking advantage of cotton growers. During the meeting at the PM Office, they discussed issues related to the provinces.
Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi also urged cotton farmers to resist selling their crops below the intervention price. He emphasized that cotton prices in the province had fallen well below the official support price.
Highlighting the need for immediate action, CM Naqvi urged the federal government to instruct the TCP to commence purchasing cotton from the market to stabilize its prices. He also implored cotton growers not to sell their crop below the officially announced intervention price.
Mr. Naqvi disclosed that he and caretaker CM of Sindh, Maqbool Baqir, informed PM Kakar that cotton prices in Punjab had fallen to Rs6,500 per 40kg, significantly below the federal government’s promised rate of Rs8,500 at the start of the sowing season.
“The Prime Minister acted promptly and has requested a report from the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP). We are hopeful that the TCP will initiate the purchase of cotton,” he said, assuring that cotton prices would recover, and farmers would be duly rewarded for their hard work.
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