Akbarali Hashwani, chairman of Karachi Cotton Association, informed that during the period 2002-03 the cotton imports of domestic textile mills have reached 1.108 m bales.

While addressing the 71st ordinary general meeting he said that cotton consumption of textile mills increased from 10.3 million bales to 11.4 million bales during 2002-03 following modernization and installation of new spindles.

He suggested the government to increase the cotton production target at a minimum of 15 million bales by raising yield and acreage keeping in view the rise in domestic consumption and demand in the international market.

He pointed out that the KCA in principle had agreed to adopt the cotton season from September-August to August-July on the recommendation of the Pakistan Central Cotton Committee and in conformity with the decision of the government.