Plunging cotton output

Alarm bells are sounding in the textile sector after a drop of up to 60 per cent in cotton production in both Punjab and Sindh. The textile sector will now have to meet its lint requirements from the international market, using precious foreign exchange that Pakistan desperately needs. This substantial reduction in cotton output is being ascribed to a range of factors, including a decrease in early sowing, an extended heatwave in June and July causing fruit drop, heavy rains in August, attacks by whitefly and pink bollworm, reduced crop acreage, the absence of a government-announced intervention price, market manipulation by vested interests, declining crop profitability, and insufficient government support for research and development. The drop in cotton production should be a significant concern for the government. The last high point in cotton output occurred in 2012, with 13.5 million bales produced. Since then, Pakistan's average production has ranged from 7 to 9 million bales.

Textiles account for approximately 60 per cent of Pakistan's exports. Purchasing cotton from international markets would increase the price of textile goods, which means less competitive exports than those of other countries. Cotton itself is also a major cash crop and supports the livelihood of tens of thousands of families. Unfortunately, the country is experiencing a decline in one of its key crops, while other cotton-producing nations have substantially increased their productivity and improved crop quality over the past two decades by investing in advanced seed technology. Our cotton sector continues to face significant challenges due to factors such as the use of low-quality seeds, disease, unpredictable weather leading to frequent floods and droughts, and rising production costs. As the country urgently needs to enhance exports to strengthen its external account, policymakers must address and resolve the issues affecting Pakistan's cotton economy.