Cotton production shows alarming 48% decline

LAHORE:

The cotton crop, one of Pakistan’s most important agricultural products, is facing a significant decline in production, raising concerns among farmers, industry leaders and policy makers. Despite a satisfactory performance of 10.2 million bales in the previous financial year, recent figures from the Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association show a 48% decline in the first 15 days of FY25, threatening the agricultural economy and the textile industry, which relies heavily on in this culture.

Several factors are contributing to this recession. Climate change has altered weather patterns, resulting in erratic rainfall and increased temperatures that negatively affect crop yields. “Unpredictable weather conditions have made it increasingly difficult to maintain healthy cotton crops,” says Dr Zain Shabbir, an agricultural scientist. “Heat heat and prolonged periods of drought are particularly damaging.”

In addition, pest infestations, especially the pink bollworm, have devastated cotton fields. Despite efforts to control these pests, many farmers do not have access to effective pest management solutions. Muhammad Aslam, a cotton farmer from Multan, explains, “Every year, we fight against pests, but without the right pesticides and knowledge, our efforts often fail. It’s disappointing to see our hard work go to waste.”

In addition to environmental challenges and crop damage, economic challenges also play an important role. Rising costs of inputs such as fertilizers, pesticides, electricity and quality seeds have made cotton cultivation less profitable. Many farmers, struggling to make ends meet, have turned to other crops.

“Cotton cultivation has become economically unsustainable for many small-scale farmers,” explains Fatima Khan, a rural development expert. “High production costs combined with low market prices are forcing farmers to look for alternative crops that promise better yields.”

The decline in cotton production has far-reaching implications for Pakistan’s economy. The agricultural sector, which employs a significant portion of the population, faces reduced income and increased levels of poverty among cotton farmers. This decline also affects the industrial sector, particularly the textile industry, which is a major contributor to Pakistan’s GDP and export earnings. “Pakistan’s textile industry relies heavily on local cotton,” says the CEO of a leading textile mill. “A decline in cotton production means an increased dependence on imported cotton, which increases production costs and affects our competitiveness in the global market. This situation is unsustainable and could lead to job losses and reduced export earnings.”

Addressing the decline in cotton production requires a multifaceted approach. Improved pest management practices, such as integrated pest management (IPM), can help control infestations more effectively. “Education and training for farmers in IPM techniques is vital,” says Dr Shabbir. “They need access to the latest research and pest-resistant cotton varieties.”

Investments in agricultural research and development are also essential. Developing drought-tolerant, high-yielding cotton varieties can mitigate the effects of climate change. In addition, the government must provide financial support to farmers by ensuring that they have access to affordable inputs and credit facilities. Policy makers should incentivize cotton cultivation through favorable policies and support programs. “The government should prioritize cotton in its agricultural policy,” suggests Fatima Khan. “Input subsidies, better pricing mechanisms and access to modern farming techniques can revitalize the industry.”

Ensuring sustainable cotton production is vital to the economy and livelihoods of millions of Pakistanis. The country must adopt modern farming methods and every stakeholder must play their part to retarget the production target of 14 million bales initially. Without this concerted effort, dependence on imports will continue to grow, jeopardizing both crop and industrial production in the coming years, he said.