Daily Times

KARACHI: The cotton sector stakeholders asked the Textile Ministry to enhance the capacity building of cotton fibre testing laboratories in Sindh and Punjab stations. These testing units have either fallen to the dull interest of the officials of Pakistan Cotton Standard Institute or Textile Ministry’s unmoved stance for the last many months showing lull interest towards the workability of these laboratories.

Around 5 established modern and start-of-the-art cotton fiber testing laboratories were set up around 2007-2009.

Representatives of Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association, Karachi Cotton Association and exporters were of the view that Ministry of Textile Industry remained silent in doing any good in this direction.

The laboratories fully equipped with High Volume Instruments (HVIs) have been working under the supervision of PCSI trained manpower at Multan, Vehari, Raheemyar Khan and Karachi. Sanghar lab is also not fully functional.

Another five laboratories had to be established during three years period to provide the facility of Instrumental Classification in almost all cotton producing districts of Pakistan. Establishment of these laboratories was the aim in view of the importance of instrumental classification of cotton all over the world. Shakeel Ahmad of Sindh Agriculture Forum, Ghulam Rabbani and Rana Abdul Sattar senior members of PCGA were of the view that these laboratories have been extending this facility at cheaper rates.

They asked cotton growers, ginner spinners and exporters to avail from this facility. The HVI testing charges per sample is minimal (Rs 200-300). Trash Analyzer machines are also in repair conditions of replacement besides there was need to add more numbers of such laboratories in existing numbers by the Ministry.