Kandahar: Cotton-processing level rises to 300,000 tonnes

KANDAHAR CITY (Pajhwok): Despite persistent electricity issues, the number of cotton-processing factories and the production of pure cotton oil have increased in southern Kandahar province.

The cotton-processing level in Kandahar rose to 300,000 tonnes this solar year, showing a 40 percent increase over the previous year.

Sayed Sarwar Amani, director of the chamber of commerce and mines, told Pajhwok Afghan News that there were 25 cotton-processing factories in the Kandahar Industrial Park.

At least 20 of the factories are operational while the rest are closed, according to Amani, who said some of the plants functioned round the clock.

He added: “This year, the cotton-processing level in the country reached 400,000 tonnes, with Kandahar and Helmand provinces alone accounting for 75 percent (300,000 tonnes).”

The official said this year about 38,000 tonnes of cotton oil and 262,000 tonnes of sorghum were produced in Kandahar. Most of them were exported to Pakistan.

“Cotton has replaced poppy and it is really a good alternative. Many farmers in Kandahar have turned to growing cotton. It has had a positive effect on the level of dairy production besides helping in minimising imports.”

Haji Yar Mohammad, head of the Afghan Surghar Cotton Factory, said his factory remained operational for only 10 hours due to power shortages.

“Some factories (with enhanced power supply arrangements) in the industrial park operate for 24 hours. But most of them function for 10 to 12 hours.”

He said almost all cotton from Kandahar was exported to Pakistan. Some of it is also exported to Iran and Turkey.

Shah Mohammad, a cotton-processing factory worker, said: “I have been working here for 10 years now. My salary has increased and I’m satisfied with my job.”

Niaz Mohammad is another man working for a cotton factory for the past eight years. He is also happy with his job.

“My work is better than before. Our problems include power outages. When electricity supply is on, we do more work.  But the factory’s efficiency is  low when it switches over to generator,” he explained.

The price of a kilogram of cotton in Kandahar currently ranges between 80 and 90 afghanis. Farmers estimate the rate has gone up by 30 to 35 afghanis.

sa/mud