Pakistan’s cotton sector is facing a serious decline in production and quality, threatening the livelihoods of millions of farmers and the competitiveness of the textile industry.
Cotton is the second most important crop in Pakistan after wheat, contributing to 8.5% of the value-added in agriculture and 1.6% of GDP. However, in recent years, Pakistan’s cotton output has fallen sharply due to various factors, such as pest attacks, climate change, poor seed quality, lack of research and development, and policy gaps.
According to the Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association, Pakistan produced only 5.6 million bales of cotton in 2020-21, the lowest in three decades, compared to the domestic demand of 12 million bales.
This has forced the textile sector, which accounts for 60% of the country’s exports, to import cotton from other countries, increasing the cost of production and reducing the profit margins. To address this crisis, Pakistan needs a giant leap and big R&D money to secure its cotton future, according to experts and stakeholders.
They suggest that Pakistan should invest more in developing new cotton varieties that are resistant to pests and diseases, tolerant to drought and heat stress, and have better fiber quality and yield potential.
They also recommend that Pakistan should adopt organic cotton production, which can reduce the use of pesticides and fertilizers, improve soil health and biodiversity, and fetch higher prices in the international market.
Moreover, they urge that Pakistan should improve its cotton policy framework, by providing incentives and subsidies to farmers, ensuring seed certification and regulation, promoting good agricultural practices and extension services, and enhancing coordination among federal and provincial authorities.
By taking these measures, Pakistan can revive its white gold industry and regain its position as a leading cotton producer and exporter in the world.