The irrigation water crisis in Sindh is badly damaging sowing in the province as quoted by Syed Mudabir Shah who is a cotton broker.He also added that, “The reports coming from lower Sindh are not encouraging as majority of the farmers there do not have any other option to irrigate their fields except from canal water. These areas are facing water shortage for the first time in cotton sowing period.” He added that farmers in lower Sindh are not waiting for rains to complete their sowing process. He commented that although far¬mers in Punjab are also facing irrigation water shortage, but over 80pc farmers there have tubewells. He added that the weather in Punjab is also favorable for sowing which is underway. He said the country would not be able to achieve its target of 14.3 million bales due to water shortage at this crucial time of sowing.

400 bales, Khanpur, at Rs7,450;200 bales, Ahmedpur East, at Rs7,125;; and 200 bales, Haroonabad, at Rs 6,675 deals were reported. New York cotton market prices were increased up to 4 cents during the last week. An increase of 1,470 yuan was also noted in the Chinese market. Quality cotton being in less supply, trading activity did not pick up yesterday. Spot rate did not change from Rs 7,400 by the Karachi Cotton Association.

Yesterday polyester fibre prices also increased up to Rs 2, with one kilogramme being estimated at Rs 171.

As commented, that, “There are chances that China will import a huge quantity from India and Pakistan due to less sowing and imposition of taxes by America on cotton and cotton products.” Experts suggested that the coming cotton season of 2018-19 will be bullish due to the imposition of taxes by China and America on one another’s cotton products and the water crisis. Sowing volume has reduced by up to 15 per cent this year compared to last year according to reports, however China does not release its cotton figures at the opening stage.