Cotton has always been the lifeline of Pakistan’s exports. Along with textiles, it forms the main bulk of the country’s export revenue. And why wouldn’t it? Pakistan is the fifth-largest producer of cotton, contributing around 0.6% to the GDP and 2.4% to the value-added segment of agriculture. However, those were the good old days. Today, the country is facing a decline in cotton production.
There are various factors that have led to a loss of interest in ‘white gold’ – a common name for cotton – among agriculturists. Earlier, cotton was grown on over 15% of the total cultivated area. Currently, it has reduced to 10%. The commodity is mostly grown in Punjab, which accounts for 62% of Pakistan’s total cotton production. Sindh follows, with very little being grown in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. The decline in cotton production has been so drastic that a comparison between the maximum yield and the current fiscal year would be shocking.
The highest area on which cotton was grown was 3.19 million hectares during 2004-05, resulting in the highest ever production of 14.26 million bales. In 2022-23, the area on which cotton was cultivated was 2.06 million hectares, and the production stood at 4.91 million bales. This represents a 36% reduction in area and a 66% decline in production. Less area was cultivated, resulting in lower yields. But what has caused this drop in cotton production, which is crucial for the country’s exports? The main reason is the farmers themselves. Farmers believe that cotton is a less profitable crop compared to sugarcane and rice.
There have been other contributing factors as well. The unavailability of certified seeds in the market leads to lower germination rates. Additionally, the varieties grown are not strong enough to withstand attacks by pests such as whitefly, thrips, jassid, and pink bollworms. Harsh weather conditions due to abrupt climate change, including high temperatures, drought during germination and height-attaining stages, as well as heavy rainfall, result in lower yields and reduced profits.
Over time, farmers have shifted from cotton to other crops like sugarcane, maize, rice, and other high-return crops. This shift has primarily been witnessed in Punjab, which had the highest cotton cultivable area. In the last five years, there has been a 23% reduction. Consequently, cotton production has decreased, forcing the textile industry to import the product to meet its needs. A total of 16 million bales of lint are imported to fulfill the demand.
The government needs to intervene, and in fact, it should have done so years ago. Neglecting one’s primary source of income (which cotton is for Pakistan) is foolish. The concerns of farmers need to be addressed. The state should provide quality seeds, effective pesticides, and proper cultivation guidance. Only then will farmers return to growing cotton, and only then can we reduce our dependence on imports.
Policymakers need to wake up from their slumber and start focusing on products that contribute to the country’s revenue generation.