The Hindu : Business : Pakistan to import more cotton

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Dec 21, 2007
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Pakistan to import more cotton

M. Soundariya Preetha

5 lakh bales of short staples allowed through the land route

COIMBATORE: Apart from China, Pakistan is expected to emerge as a major importer of Indian cotton this year.

According to K. N. Viswanathan, Secretary, South India Cotton Association, the main variety purchased last year by the textile mills in Pakistan from India was Shankar-6 (long staple).

The Pakistan Government has permitted import of short staple varieties too from India to the extent of five lakh bales through the land route (Wagah border) this year. This opens the way for more exports to Pakistan and their production falls short of their demand, he said.

Last year, nearly 65 per cent of cotton exports from India were to China. And, 10-12 lakh bales of cotton were exported to Pakistan through the sea route. This year, exports to Pakistan would be more, he said.

There is a demand from Pakistan textile mills for the short staple varieties from States such as Punjab and Haryana.

Mr. Viswanathan said total cotton exports from the country this year (2007-08) was expected to be about 70 lakh bales as against 55 lakh bales last year. Since cotton arrivals began about three months ago, 30-35 lakh bales had been booked for exports.

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