Pakistan needs to urgently introduce a new policy to boost cotton production in the country, opines Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA). In FY2024, Pakistan’s cotton production declined by 33 per cent.

By November 30, 2024, Pakistan produced 5,190,725 bales of cotton as against 7,753,473 bales produced in 2023. Cotton production in Punjab declined by 34.19 per cent to 2,459,684 bales in 2024 compared to 3,736,749 bales in 2023.

Similarly, cotton production in Sindh contracted by 32.01 per cent to 2,731,041 bales this year as against 4,016,724 bales last year. Production in Balochistan contracted to only 155,800 bales.

Sajid Mahmood, Cotton Expert, attributes this decline to weak policies and practical challenges. He emphasise on the need for a comprehensive revival program for cotton cultivation. According to him, a minimum support price of Rs 10,000 per maund needs to be set to incentivise farmers. Farmers need to utilise modern, climate-resilient seeds to combat pests like whiteflies and pink bollworms. To achieve this, farmers need gain financial stability to prioritise cotton over other crops, adds Mahmood .

Research institutions like the Pakistan Central Cotton Committee (PCCC) require immediate funds to boost cotton production. Duty-free imports of cotton should be banned in order to encourage local farmers, states Mahmood. He urges for the strengthening of research and development facilities in the country. He also calls for direct market access for farmers, bypassing exploitative middlemen.

For the growth of both the industry and farmers, it is essential to remove the 18 per cent tax on cotton, says Mahmood. Cotton production in the country can be restored by adopting a sustainable strategy rooted in practical measures.