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'Link price' for cotton under study, says Niaz

RECORDER REPORT

KARACHI: The government is making efforts to provide input at a reduced rate to the growers along with high quality cotton seeds at a cheaper prices.

This was assured by the Member National Security Council, Shafi Niaz while talking to members of Karachi Cotton Association on Monday.

The ministries of Agriculture and Commerce were working on a plan to introduce a "link price" for cotton.

He informed the members that the new cotton policy will be announced soon. He explained the measures which are being taken in the new cotton policy.

The new policy stressed on easy and cheaper availability of the input and high quality seeds to every cotton grower.

He ensured the KCA members that the TCP had not been given permanent assignment to influence the cotton market. The TCP will act only in case of surplus production of cotton in the country.

This year the TCP bought over 500,000 bales and made a profit by selling it in the world market.

He did not see any possibility to carry out survey each year for every product and settle prices. However, the government was making efforts to fix a just price for agri-products.

To develop a good price mechanism, NSC member Shafi Niaz said that there should be a close association and cooperation between the growers and traders.

KCA Chairman Maqbool Sadiq, in his welcome statement urged the government to allow KCA participation in decision making in respect of country's cotton policy.