KARACHI (Dunya 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.