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Ginners stop phutti buying from growers

RECORDER REPORT

KARACHI: Ginners have stopped buying phutti from the growers after 'no-buying' by the Trading Corporation of Pakistan, said the Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA).

Acting Chairman Masood Hussain Bajwa invited attention of the commerce minister to save the ginners and the growers from disaster.

He said that the TCP, had completely ignored the agreement with the commerce minister for buying of Alaqa and Adnas quality of cotton.

Just because of the assurance that TCP will also buy these two qualities of cotton, "the ginners bought huge quantity of cotton."

He accused the TCP of reducing the cotton prices. "The TCP deviated from its first stance for buying of the above mentioned qualities. We met the TCP chairman and it was agreed that TCP would buy these qualities at the rates of earlier contracts. However, it again deviated from the agreement," said Bajwa.

It has resulted in the huge piling of cotton bales. Uptill now about two million bales are stuck with ginners.

"Our factories have turned into warehouses because of huge stocks. We have stopped buying cotton from growers. We appeal to the government for serious consideration of the situation," said Bajwa.

He said the TCP was buying only Afzal quality which is a breach of contract.

"The government must tell the TCP to buy our two million bales of cotton as per agreement at old rates," said Bajwa.