Introduction: Cotton Cultivation at Risk Once Again
Karachi: Pakistan’s cotton industry, a crucial pillar of the country’s agricultural and textile sectors, is once again under serious threat due to an acute shortage of water in reservoirs and the unavailability of certified cotton seeds. These factors have cast uncertainty over cotton cultivation in key growing regions, leading to concerns about delayed production and disrupted supply chains.
Water Shortage Reaches Critical Level
The shortage of water in major reservoirs has reached an alarming stage, impacting the irrigation systems essential for cotton farming. Chairman Cotton Ginners Forum, Ehsan-ul-Haq, has highlighted the severe situation, noting that the water levels in Pakistan’s two primary dams, Tarbela and Mangla, have fallen to the “dead level.” This drastic reduction in water availability is creating immense challenges for farmers in key cotton-producing districts of Sindh, including:
- Sanghar
- Mirpur Khas
- Umerkot
- Tando Allah Yar
- Matiari
- Hyderabad
- Badin
The lack of canal water has made it nearly impossible for farmers to irrigate their fields adequately, which could lead to a significant decline in cotton production for the upcoming season.
Impact of Water Shortage on Cotton Production
Due to these water shortages, the timely sowing and growth of the new cotton crop have been put in jeopardy. Farmers are struggling to maintain the necessary irrigation schedules, which is crucial for cotton cultivation. Reports indicate that the delays in sowing could push back the arrival of the new cotton crop, impacting both domestic and international supply chains.
Disruptions in Cotton Trade and Pricing
The uncertainty surrounding the cotton crop has had a ripple effect on the cotton trade. Approximately 20 days ago, traders in Sindh initiated advance deals for the new cotton crop, anticipating deliveries between May 10 and June 10. These deals, which covered approximately 40 carts of cotton, were struck at prices ranging from Rs. 8,400 to Rs. 9,000 per 40 kg, primarily in the Mirpur Khas district. However, with the current crisis, many of these agreements may not be fulfilled on schedule, leaving traders and textile manufacturers in limbo.
Moreover, as cotton cultivation faces potential delays, the progress of new cotton crop deals has come to a standstill in Sindh. The uncertainty surrounding the arrival of fresh cotton stocks is expected to create further market instability, affecting prices and availability in both local and international markets.
The Role of Certified Seeds in Cotton Production
In addition to water shortages, another critical challenge threatening Pakistan’s cotton industry is the unavailability of certified and high-yield cotton seeds. Farmers are increasingly finding it difficult to access quality seeds that are resistant to pests and adaptable to local climatic conditions. The lack of certified seeds is expected to further reduce crop yields and affect overall cotton quality, posing a major concern for both domestic consumption and exports.
Farmers Call for Government Intervention
Amid this crisis, farmers’ organizations are urging the government to take immediate action. Their key demands include:
- Prioritization of existing cultivated lands over new land settlements: Farmers insist that water resources should be allocated to sustaining current agricultural lands instead of focusing on new developments.
- Provision of adequate water supply: Ensuring proper irrigation facilities for cotton-growing regions is vital to maintain stable production levels.
- Access to certified seeds: The government must facilitate the availability of high-quality seeds to farmers to safeguard the cotton yield.
Economic Implications for the Textile and Cotton Industry
The challenges facing cotton cultivation are also expected to have far-reaching economic consequences. The import of tax-free cotton and cotton yarn under the Export Facilitation Scheme (EFS) has already put pressure on local producers, leading to an economic downturn in the domestic textile and ginning sectors. As a result:
- Cotton ginning factories are struggling to sustain operations due to decreased demand for local cotton.
- Spinning mills are facing the worst economic downturn in history, with more mills expected to shut down during the 2025-26 cotton year.
The combination of water scarcity, seed shortages, and import competition threatens to push Pakistan’s cotton industry into further crisis, impacting employment, exports, and overall economic stability.
Conclusion: A Call for Urgent Action
The future of Pakistan’s cotton sector is hanging in the balance as the country grapples with severe water shortages and a lack of quality seeds. If timely interventions are not made, cotton production could face significant setbacks, further straining the already struggling textile industry. Immediate and coordinated efforts by the government, agricultural authorities, and stakeholders are necessary to address these issues and ensure a stable future for Pakistan’s cotton economy.
With cotton being a backbone of the nation’s economy, it is imperative that decisive measures are taken to mitigate the crisis, support farmers, and ensure a sustainable cotton production system.
