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Pakistan’s cotton crop, a cornerstone of its agricultural and textile sectors, is facing a dramatic decline in production. After a relatively strong yield of 10.2 million bales in the previous fiscal year, recent reports from the Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association reveal a staggering 48% decrease in production in the first 15 days of FY-25. This sharp decline is raising serious concerns among farmers, industry leaders, and policymakers.
Several factors are contributing to this alarming trend. Climate change has led to erratic weather patterns, including irregular rainfall and higher temperatures, which have adversely affected crop yields. Dr. Zain Shabbir, an agricultural scientist, points out that “unpredictable weather conditions have made it increasingly difficult to maintain healthy cotton crops. Heatwaves and prolonged dry spells are particularly damaging.”
Pest infestations, especially by the pink bollworm, are another significant problem. Despite ongoing efforts to combat these pests, many farmers lack access to effective pest management solutions. Muhammad Aslam, a cotton farmer from Multan, laments, “Every year, we battle against pests, but without proper pesticides and knowledge, our efforts often fall short. It’s disheartening to see our hard work go to waste.”
Economic challenges further compound the situation. Rising costs for inputs such as fertilizers, pesticides, electricity, and quality seeds have made cotton cultivation less profitable. As a result, many farmers are shifting to other crops in search of better returns. Fatima Khan, a rural development expert, explains, “Cotton farming has become economically unviable for many small-scale farmers. The high cost of production coupled with low market prices forces farmers to look for alternative crops that promise better returns.”
The decline in cotton production has far-reaching consequences for Pakistan’s economy. The agricultural sector, which supports a large portion of the population, faces reduced income and heightened poverty among cotton farmers. The textile industry, a major contributor to the country’s GDP and export earnings, is also affected. “Pakistan’s textile industry relies heavily on locally produced cotton,” notes the CEO of a leading textile mill. “A decline in cotton production means increased reliance on imported cotton, which raises production costs and impacts our competitiveness in the global market. This situation is unsustainable and could lead to job losses and reduced export revenues.”
To address the decline, a multifaceted approach is required. Improving pest management practices, such as integrated pest management (IPM), can help control infestations more effectively. Dr. Shabbir emphasizes the need for “education and training for farmers on IPM techniques. They need access to the latest research and pest-resistant cotton varieties.”
Investment in agricultural research and development is also crucial. Developing drought-resistant and high-yield cotton varieties can help mitigate the effects of climate change. Additionally, the government must provide financial support to farmers by ensuring access to affordable inputs and credit facilities. Policymakers need to incentivize cotton cultivation through favorable policies and support programs. Fatima Khan suggests, “The government must prioritize cotton in its agricultural policy. Subsidies on inputs, better pricing mechanisms, and access to modern farming techniques can revive the sector.”
Ensuring sustainable cotton production is vital for both the economy and the livelihoods of millions of Pakistanis. The country must adopt modern cultivation methods, and all stakeholders must collaborate to achieve the target of 14 million bales. Without a concerted effort, the reliance on imports will continue to rise, jeopardizing both agricultural and industrial production in the future.
