Textile Ministry to improve cotton fibre testing labs capacity building

The Pakistan Textile Ministry has been urged to enhance the capacity building of cotton fibre testing laboratories in Sindh and Punjab stations by the cotton sector stakeholders as 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.

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.

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.

The cotton growers, ginner spinners and exporters are requested 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.

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.