Pakistan’s Cotton Production Soars by 71% in Remarkable Recovery from Last Year’s Losses

In a remarkable turnaround, Pakistan’s cotton industry has bounced back with a staggering 71% year-on-year growth, according to an official statement released by the country’s commerce ministry on Tuesday. This resurgence comes on the heels of devastating losses incurred during last year’s monsoon floods, which wreaked havoc on both homes and farmlands across Pakistan.
Cotton serves as the primary raw material for Pakistan’s textile sector, a vital contributor to the country’s economy, accounting for approximately 60% of its overall exports.
The official figures from the previous year showed a distressing 34% year-on-year decline in cotton production, directly attributed to the adverse weather conditions.
However, the recent statement from the commerce ministry highlighted the “astounding 71% year-on-year growth,” surpassing not only the previous year’s figures but also exceeding expectations.
Dr. Gohar Ejaz, the interim commerce minister, hailed this achievement, stating, “Cotton arrivals crossing the 5 million bales mark on October 1, 2023, is a momentous achievement for Pakistan. Last year, our total crop was 5 million bales, and this year, we are anticipating a bumper crop of 12 million bales. This remarkable growth showcases the dedication and hard work of our farmers and the resilience of our cotton industry.”
Dr. Ejaz also pledged unwavering support for the cotton sector, emphasizing its indispensable role in Pakistan’s economic development and global competitiveness.
Experts in the textile industry have noted a steady decline in Pakistan’s cotton production over recent years, attributing it primarily to climate change-related challenges and a reduction in cultivation areas.
The latest data released by the Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA) reveals that cotton production by the end of September has already surpassed the total output recorded in the last season.
However, there is a significant discrepancy between the PCGA’s crop statistics and those of Punjab agriculture authorities. According to the PCGA, cotton arrivals at ginning factories across Pakistan reached 5.025 million bales by September 30, marking a substantial increase of 71.15% compared to the previous year and exceeding last year’s total lint output of 5 million bales.
Hasseb Ahmed, of Business Club Commodities, reported that textile mills have purchased 4.179 million bales, an 80.2% increase over the previous year, while exporters have acquired over 0.248 million bales, compared to just 4,900 bales last year, with Fast Trade Commodities Services being a prominent exporter.
During the fortnight from September 15 to 30, cotton arrivals were recorded at 1.091 million bales, compared to 0.749 million bales during the same period last year.
It must be noted that the Pest attacks and adverse weather conditions have affected cotton quality and arrivals at ginning factories have increased by 34% over the same period last year, reaching 2.069 million bales.