Karachi: (RightNow) Despite adverse weather and transport strikes, ginning factories see a record increase in cotton intake. Nationally, cotton production rises by 25%, with Punjab at 3% and Sindh at 42%.

According to Punjab’s Crop Reporting Services, cotton production in Punjab is 35% higher than PCGA figures. Between August 16 and 21, further increases in cotton production are expected, potentially lowering cotton prices.

Ehsan-ul-Haq, Chairman of the Cotton Ginners Forum, stated that by August 15, ginning factories received 1.14 million bales, 25% more than last year. The report shows 379,000 bales in Punjab and 734,000 in Sindh.

The report indicates that textile mills purchased 951,000 bales, while exporters bought 13,000 bales. Ginning factories have reserves of 163,000 bales. There are 112 active ginning factories in Punjab and 156 in Sindh.

It is noteworthy that according to PCGA, Punjab’s cotton production is 379,000 bales, while Crop Reporting Services report it as 585,000 bales. Between 60,000 to 70,000 bales have been transferred from Sindh to Punjab, potentially affecting production there.