Intense rainfall and heatwaves pose significant risks to the overall yield of cotton crops, according to a recent report.
Pakistan's cotton sector is currently grappling with a potential crisis, as concerns over the final output of the cotton crop have been raised by the Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA). The concerns stem from a series of challenges, including heatwaves, heavy rains, floods, and the spread of cotton leaf curl virus.
As of September 15, 2025, there has been a significant increase in cotton arrivals across the country. Compared to the previous year, there has been a 40% rise, with a total of 1,652,204 bales procured by textile mills. This increase is evident in the various provinces, with Sindh's cotton arrivals rising by 47%, Punjab recording a 28% increase, and Balochistan contributing 75,100 bales.
However, these positive figures may not be enough to offset the potential losses. Sajid Mahmood, the Head of the Technology Transfer Department at the Central Cotton Research Institute (CCRI) Multan, predicts that recent rains and floods might reduce cotton production by 0.6 to 1 million bales. If this prediction holds true, it would necessitate the import of over 6 million bales, a significant increase that could put immense pressure on foreign exchange reserves and widen the trade deficit.
The delay in the PCCC-PARC merger could further put cotton production in serious jeopardy. The merger was intended to streamline the cotton sector and improve its efficiency.
The losses in southern Punjab, particularly in districts like Jalalpur Pirwala, Alipur, and Lodhran, as well as in tehsils such as Fort Abbas Minchinabad, Chishtian, and Haroonabad, have been substantial. These areas have suffered extensive crop damage, amounting to approximately 40%. This has a direct impact on farmers, the ginning sector, and the textile sector, which are all crucial components of Pakistan's economy.
Currently, 428 ginning factories are operational in Pakistan, although the locations of these factories are not specified in the available search results. As of the current report, 325,780 bales of cotton remain in stock nationwide.
This potential crisis serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by Pakistan's agricultural sector and the need for effective strategies to mitigate the impact of adverse weather conditions and diseases on crop production.
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