Nationwide Cotton Production Plummets Amid Harsh Weather
Severe temperatures have devastated early-sown cotton crops across Pakistan, leading to a dramatic drop in overall production.
The Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA) reported on August 18, 2024, that cotton production has plummeted to 392,736 bales, a significant decrease from last year’s 636,684 bales. Sindh’s cotton yield also suffered, with arrivals falling to 682,292 bales from 1.478 million bales last year.
In response, the Punjab Agriculture Department has rolled out a comprehensive management plan with private sector support, including a robust pest management strategy utilizing the Land Information and Management System (LIMS) and the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB). Despite the challenging conditions, recent reviews in Multan have noted an increase in fruiting bodies compared to last year, with ongoing efforts to convert more flowers into bolls and meet the target yield of 19.5 maund per acre.
Nationwide, the PCGA report indicates a 49.18 percent decline in cotton arrivals, down to 1.075 million bales from 2.115 million bales last year. Punjab saw arrivals drop to 392,736 bales from 636,684 bales, while Sindh’s arrivals fell to 682,292 bales from 796,000 bales.
Notably, Rahim Yar Khan in Punjab experienced a staggering 73.2 percent decrease, with cotton bales dropping from 23,607 last year to just 6,321 this year. Bahawalpur saw a 41.92 percent decline, and other key districts, including Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Vehari, reported similar reductions.
