"SOS" call to COAS to save cotton economy by Dr. Jassu Mal

Multan:Chief of Army Staff (COAS)General Asim Munir should save the country's economy  like borders to strengthen it economically by achieving the targets of cotton production and bring  back the era when Pakistan produced more 15 million bales of 470 lbs each. 

This appeal was made by Dr.Jassu Mal T.Leemani chairman of Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA) in an open letter sent to him .He said that revival of cotton economy is the survival of Nation Dr. Jassu mal said that increasing cotton production would surely change the economic destiny of the country. 

The revival of cotton is the guarantee of the country's economic progress, prosperity and stability . He suggested that  A " Grow  more and more Cotton campaign must be launched and cultivation of other crops in cotton zone must be restricted and prohibited to bring a vast area under cotton crop. He said that privileged class had turned the cotton zone into a sugarcane field for their personal interests at the cost of growers, ginners, and textile industry. 

He further said that Cotton growing should be promoted through cooperative farming as initiated by army recently. In his letter to the Chief of Army Staff, Chairman PCGA Dr. Jassu mal said that misleading, inapplicable and full of flaws policies of the rulers destroyed our cotton economy  which had touched the cine-Zenith in past. 

He said that Pakistan was among the four largest cotton growers now it was dwindling down to the lowest ebb Now it stood at 8th level. 

Throwing light on the Government Policy Dr. Jassu mal said, " National tragedy is that cotton imported is tax and duty free, while taxes and duties are imposed on cotton and cotton produced in Pakistan to attract the importers and wasting the foreign exchange reserves. 

Local cotton is subject to 18 percent sales tax, one percent withholding tax, 14 percent tax on oil cake (blossom), while 18 percent sales tax is applicable on cotton seed, which costs the cotton farmer three thousand rupees. 

The rupee is an additional burden and is also the reason for a huge increase in the cost of production. Pakistan used to be the second largest cotton producer after China, the US and India. In 2005-06, Pakistan's cotton production was more than 14 million bales, while India's total production was 12 million bales.

 Cotton production in neighboring India has reached 35 million bales, while cotton production in Pakistan has decreased to only 5 million bales. Due to the burden of taxes and duties and the decline in cotton production, the number of operational factories in the country has decreased from 1200 to 400. In the best interest of the country and the rural economy, the Army Chief should form a Cotton Rehabilitation Board under his supervision, in which all stakeholders should be represented. 

This revolutionary steps to ensure the achievement of the country's economic and social development goals are leading to the stabilization of the country's economy. The revival of cotton and its increase in production are the need of the hour for the country's economy and a better future. 

Textile products account for up to 60 percent of the country's exports and are based on cotton production and cotton. Cotton is the white gold and the only cash crop. It is the only crop that guarantees the prosperity of farmers and gives the best compensation to farmers. In the current situation, it is the only crop that requires the least amount of water. The historical facts regarding the cotton crop are very bitter and painful.

 Under a well planned  conspiracy against the country and the nation, this crop has been destroyed and farmers have been forced to cultivate crops that are of no benefit to the national economy. Cotton production in the cotton season 2024-25 has reached the lowest level in the country's history, which is a national tragedy. All stakeholders appreciate the steps taken by the Pakistan Army for the development of agriculture, industry and trade in the country. 

Emergency and immediate measures such as reduction in taxes and duties can prove to be very beneficial for the revival of cotton. More than 60 percent of cotton has been imported to meet the demand and needs of the country's textile and spinning industry, which has transferred billions of dollars of foreign exchange to foreign countries. Pakistan's economy, industry and trade will grow rapidly with suggestions and recommendations and a stance based on ground realities. PCGA will continue its struggle in the future as well.