A CCF Group' report estimates, 2021-22 Pakistan cotton planting area may decrease by 11 per cent year on year to 1.974 million hectares, and cotton production may reduce to less than 1 million tons affected by hot weather, drought and pest infestations. As of June 15, cotton planting area in Pakistan declined 16 per cent year on year. The areas in Sindh declined 13 per cent to 533,000 hectares. On June 3, the cotton planting areas in Punjab fell by 11 per cent to 1.305 million hectares. Since the area devoted to cotton has fallen short both of the government’s target and of last year’s recorded level, trade sources are not very optimistic.

The decline in area of plantation has led to a rise in prices of Pakistani spot cotton By July 5 the price has hit a historical new high to be Rs. 12,900 per maund, equivalent to 98.76cent/lb. to be the one of the most expensive cotton in the world. Currently, the market price of cotton is Rs. 4,000-4,500 per maund, and the growers hope the minimum support price of Rs. 6,500 per maund.