Federal Minister for National Food Security & Research Mr. Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan has shown displeasure for conducting the meeting of the Governing Body of Pakistan Central Cotton Committee after delay of two years.
The Federal Minister shared his reservations on absence of Senior Provincial representatives from the Committee meeting.
The Federal Minister also showed his concerns on the report of Textile Board meeting, published yesterday.
Cotton is a pivotal entity and a backbone of our national economy. Neglect in attending official affairs relevant to cotton growing, picking & production is unacceptable, especially on part of provincial government superiors. The Federal Minister directed the Secretary PCCC to call an explanation of the members absent from this meeting which was already held after a long lapse.
During the meeting serious issues were discussed in detail, including; conducting of private auditunder PPRA Rules, inquire on condition of Sakrand facility, verification of pensioners by NADRA.
The Federal Minister also directed to take strict action against the director ARSC (Agricultural Research Subcommittee) for not submitting the report till date.
The Federal Minister directed to form a committee to look into the matter of bail weight as per international practice. It has been brought to his notice that the international set practice is to export cotton bail of 170 kg. However, some factions in cotton export sector have been providing bails with 150 kg to 160 kg. This erroneous and malintended practice will ultimately maline the whole cotton sector on international level. The Federal Minister took strict notice of this matter and directed the committee to submit its report in next meeting to be held before end of calendar year. The committee will be comprising of representative from APTMA, Cotton growers, Exporters, Provincial Government Secretaries of Punjab & Sindh and KCC.
During the review of PCCC 3 year performance (2013-2016) the Federal Minister appreciated the efforts of PCCC & encouraged them to further enhance the performance of the committee in future. He also directed the Committee to expedite execution of important tasks assigned to PCCC and ensured full support of his Ministry as and when required.
It was also proposed to name the PCCC auditorium after Dr. Mehboob Ali Khan, the first Director of CCRI Multan and an eminent cotton scientist as recognition of his lifelong efforts for uplift of cotton sector. The proposal was accepted unanimously.
The Federal Minister for NFS&R Mr. Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan directed the PCCC to utilize all sources of media for out reaching the cotton growers. The farmers should be approached by all means possible including TV, newspapers and radio. While emphasizing on the use of media the Federal Minister urged that only factual & realistic information must be shared with the farmers and public at large. When it comes to data collection, all stakeholders of cotton industry/sector must be thoroughly consulted including the growers, ginners, exporters and the textile industry. Half cooked estimates and statistics are misleading and detrimental to the producer’s interest.
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