Karachi: (Right Now News) A record decline in cotton production has been observed in Pakistan’s local cotton belts due to an unusual heatwave. This decline has raised concerns about increased cotton imports and rising prices.

Chairman of the Cotton Ginners Forum, Ehsan-ul-Haq, stated that high temperatures and water shortages pose severe threats to the cotton crop. These factors have affected the overall production and quality of cotton, increasing the likelihood of imports.

The Punjab Agriculture Department has advised farmers to reduce water usage and spray micronutrients. These measures could help mitigate the negative effects of the heatwave.

Due to the reduced arrival of cotton in ginning factories, there is a noticeable rise in the prices of cotton and seed cotton. In Punjab, cotton prices have reached 18,200 rupees, while in Sindh, they have reached 17,700 rupees.

It is noteworthy that the lack of relief in sales tax rates on the cotton industry in the federal budget has led to some ginning factories becoming inactive. The potential inactivity of more textile mills could lead to increased unemployment.