The country's cotton output is likely to surpass 13 million bales mark against last year's production of 12.9 million bales. The final production report will be issued by Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA) in mid March, however, the current production statistics depict that cotton output will be higher than last year's. After several revisions, the Cotton Crop Assessment Committee (CCAC) had finally set a target of 12.36 million bales for 2013-2014.

According to PCGA's fortnightly cotton production report, the country has produced some 12.67 million (160-kg) cotton bales as on January 1, 2014 compared to 11.58 million (160-kg) bales in the same period last season, depicting an increase of about 10 percent. Punjab has produced some 8.99 million bales as compared to 8.3 million bales is the corresponding period of last season. While Sindh's cotton output stands at 3.67 million bales as against 3.23 million bales in the same period last season. "Total cotton production by the end of this season will be he higher than the previous year's supported by natural clement," said Ghulam Rabbani, a leading cotton trader.

While, phutti is still arriving in ginning factories, the cotton output had already come close to last year's production that was 12.915 million bales, he said. "As per our estimates, cotton production will be some 13.2-13.3 million bales (160-kg) by the end of this season," he added. He further said that if the country was able to produce 13.2 million bales it meant in term of quantity overall production would also be higher than the target set by CCAC.

"We are expecting that current crop season will be closed before March as this year crop arrival was earlier than previous years," he added. Talking about reasons of better cotton crop, he said: "There were no efforts at any stage by the government authorities for a better crop and all credit goes to friendly weather and natural clement that secured our crop."

He said that presently, the growers were facing several difficulties including higher urea prices, uncertified cotton seed and water shortage. "Pakistan can produce over 17 million bales annually by cultivating certified cotton seed," he added. Quoting the example of India, Rabbani said that in 1991, Pakistan cotton production was 12.7 million bales and India's was 13.1 million bales, while presently India was producing some 37 million bales and Pakistan's output was still less than 13 million bales.

"Although, CCAC has fixed a target of 12.3 million bales for this season, the country will produce over 13 million bales," said Ehsan ul Haq, another cotton trader from Raheem Yar Khan. He was of the view that Pakistan could achieve a better cotton production by cultivating improved varieties of the cotton seeds. "It's a good news for the industry as after getting a duty free access in the European markets, the local textile industry is expected to require more cotton to successfully honour export orders," he added.