Raza Khan

Production of cotton has declined by 35.49% in Pakistan due to various reasons during the last 12 years, WealthPK reported. Cotton production dropped to 8.33 million bales during 2021-22 from 12.91 million bales during 2009-10, the Ministry of National Food Security and Research said in a report. The area of cotton cultivation also fell by 37.52% to 1.94 million hectares in 2021-22 from 3.11 million hectares in 2009-10.

A slight increase of 3.23% was observed in per hectare yield of cotton during the last 12 years, the report said. Per hectare cotton yield rose to 728.65 kilograms in 2021-22 from 705.88kg in 2009-10. According to the ministry, low-quality seeds and pesticides, high insect infestation, low profitability of cotton crop, and climate related issues were the major factors for the decrease in the cotton productivity during the last 10 years.

Although the government has taken several measures to improve cotton productivity in the country, nothing worked as planned. The government continues to heavily subsidise the supply of inputs like seed, fertiliser, credit, pesticides and energy for farmers beside introducing basic support price of raw cotton. Currently, Pakistan is the fourth largest producer and third largest consumer of cotton.

Area (million hectare), production (million bales), Yield (kg//ha)

Source: Ministry of National Food Security and Research

According to All Pakistan Textile Mills Associations (APTMA), the textile industry contributes 8.5% to GDP (gross domestic product) and accounts for almost 46% of the total manufacturing sector. Moreover, the textile industry is the most significant contributor to export earnings.

The decline in cotton production is directly hitting Pakistan’s exports, employment and income of the people beside increasing trade deficit, APTMA said. According to an estimate of APTMA, Pakistan was losing at least $5 billion directly on account of low production of cotton.

“An increase in cotton production will have a direct impact of $1 billion per 1 million bales and a seven times multiplier impact on the fiscal flows in the economy,” APTMA said. Pakistan produced enough cotton in 1992 for local demand. However, due to lack of proper attention, Pakistan is now facing reduction of cotton production.

The APTMA has several times demanded the government take steps to increase cotton production in Pakistan. The association has urged the government to announce Rs8,000 per 40kg as cotton support price. The minimum support price of Rs8,000 per 40kg is based on International New York Future cotton price of Grade-3 of $1.25 per lb (pound), APTMA said. The association also suggested the government engage various departments with the Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Textile to formulate an urgent plan to increase the area of cotton crop, while using modern techniques.

The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) also suggested the government take measures to increase the cotton production. “The government should declare cotton emergency and take all necessary measures to increase production in the country,” the FPCCI said in a statement.

The chamber also suggested providing training to farmers regarding quality seeds for plantation and use of modern techniques while sowing the cotton crop. The FPCCI expressed concern over low yield of cotton in the country, and suggested that the government should provide incentives to the farmers to enhance the area of cotton crop.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk