KARACHI (APP) - Cotton production has recorded a slight increase of 0.19 percent to more than 11.221 million bales till March 1, 2009, over last year's 11.200 million bales. According to a consolidated statement of Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA) here Tuesday, the arrival has recorded a jump of more than 88,178 bales in the fortnight. Punjab produced 8.237m bales, down by 5.18pc over same period last years while Sindh crop was higher by 18.75pc to a record 2.983m bales over previous year. Of the total textile mills purchased 9.579m bales during the period under review and exporters procured 294,665 bales, leaving an unsold stock of over 1.183m bales at ginners. TCP has procured 163,633 bales on the government's instructions to stabilise the market. Chairman Karachi Cotton Brokers Forum Naseem Usman while commenting on the production trend said that Sindh has harvested a record cotton crop this season which is up by 471,137 bales of cotton over previous year.