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LAHORE: Pakistan may spend over $1 billion on cotton imports this year as domestic production has plunged to a four-decade low, prompting federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain to assure full government support for the revival of the cotton sector during budget consultations with the Pakistan Business Forum (PBF).
A PBF delegation led by Chief Organiser Ahmad Jawad met the minister to discuss budgetary proposals aimed at providing a level playing field for Pakistan’s cotton and agriculture sectors.
The minister was quoted as saying that the government considered agriculture and cotton as key pillars of the national economy and was fully aware of the challenges confronting growers and ginners. He assured the delegation that all practical and farmer-friendly proposals aimed at reviving domestic cotton production and reducing dependence on imports would receive serious consideration.
Mr Tanveer said sustainable agricultural growth remained one of the government’s top priorities and pledged continued facilitation for the revival of the cotton sector through effective policy measures.
