KARACHI (C News) — A major step has been taken to revive cotton production in Pakistan as the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) and the Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA) signed a historic agreement._x000D_
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Under the memorandum of understanding (MoU), both organisations agreed on a Cotton Sales and Purchase Contract aimed at improving quality standards and ensuring a premium for high-grade cotton._x000D_
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APTMA Chairman Kamran Arshad said the agreement clearly states that substandard cotton will not receive the same price as premium-quality cotton. He added that the contract includes defined principles for quality assessment, sampling procedures, delivery mechanisms and insurance arrangements._x000D_
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He noted with concern that cotton production in Pakistan has fallen to historically low levels, forcing the country to import millions of bales annually to meet demand._x000D_
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Kamran Arshad also said a proposal for establishing a Pakistan Cotton Board is under consideration, which would include representatives from farmers, intermediaries, and relevant institutions._x000D_
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He emphasized that the local cotton marketing system must be aligned with international standards, and ginners producing higher-quality cotton would be rewarded with appropriate market premiums.
