Cotton production plunges over 33pc

Published January 4, 2025
Production in Punjab and Sindh tumbled 35pc and 32pc to 2.659m and 2.793m bales, respectively, during the period ending on Dec 31, 2024.—Reuters/file
Production in Punjab and Sindh tumbled 35pc and 32pc to 2.659m and 2.793m bales, respectively, during the period ending on Dec 31, 2024.—Reuters/file

LAHORE: Phutti or raw cotton arrivals registered a significant drop of over 33 per cent as of Dec 31, 2024, compared to the same period of the previous year, reveals the data released by the Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA) on Friday.

Total phutti arrivals during the ongoing season stand at 5.452 million bales compared to 8.171m bales recorded on Dec 31, 2023, reflecting an overall decline of 33.27pc or 2.719m bales.

On a fortnightly basis, phutti arrivals marginally improved by 2pc compared to 5.367m bales recorded on Dec 15, 2024.

Cotton production saw a significant decline in Punjab and Sindh. In Punjab, phutti arrivals remained at 2.659m bales compared to 4.079m bales, and in Sindh the figure was 2.793m bales compared to 4.092m bales registered for the same period last season. The two provinces reflected a fall of 35pc and 32pc, respectively.

Textile industry will have to spend $2bn on imports

However, on a fortnightly basis, cotton arrivals in Punjab were up by 3pc compared to 2.594m bales, and in Sindh increased by 1pc compared to 2.773m bales recorded on Dec 15.

The decline in phutti arrivals rings an alarm bell for the national economy, textile industry and financial stability of farmers because the country will need to import cotton worth over $2 billion to meet the needs of the domestic textile sector.

Sajid Mahmood, Head of Technology Transfer at the Central Cotton Research Institute, blames substandard seed varieties besides weather for the decline in the crop. “These substandard varieties not only hinder production but also elevate the risk of pest and disease infestations,” he says, suggesting stringent reforms in the registration process for seed companies, presently approximately 800.

“Mandatory practical testing and validation of seeds from each company should be instituted, with severe penalties for those supplying substandard seeds.”

Cotton Ginners Forum chairman Ihsanul Haq regrets that textile mills are ignoring buying cotton and yarn from the domestic market because of the 18pc tax imposed on the local commodities, while import is tax-free.

He says the textile industry had procured 7.3m bales and exporters 0.292m bales by Dec 31, 2023, whereas these figures stood at 4.8m bales and 0.046m bales on Dec 31, 2024.

Punjab plans early sowing

Meanwhile, Punjab plans to do maximum early crop sowing next season. A meeting held under the chair of Agriculture Secretary Iftikhar Ali on Friday noted that early sowing results in higher per-acre yield and, thus, maximum land would be brought under cotton crop in February and March.

While seeking input from the stakeholders to devise a final crop plan, the meeting pledged to allow the plantation of only approved varieties and the lands vacated after harvesting oilseed crops would also be utilised for early cotton cultivation.

Published in Dawn, January 4th, 2025

Follow Dawn Business on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook for insights on business, finance and tech from Pakistan and across the world.

Opinion

Editorial

Canal unrest
03 Apr, 2025

Canal unrest

AS unrest in Sindh increases over the Cholistan canal plan, the PPP seems unclear on how to cool public sentiments....
Iran-US tension
03 Apr, 2025

Iran-US tension

THE Trump administration’s threats aimed at Iran do not bode well for global peace, and unless Washington changes...
Flights to history
03 Apr, 2025

Flights to history

MOHENJODARO could have been the forgotten gold we desperately need. Instead, this 5,000-year-old well of antiquity ...
Eid amidst crises
Updated 31 Mar, 2025

Eid amidst crises

Until the Muslim world takes practical steps to end these atrocities, these besieged populations will see no joy.
Women’s rights
Updated 01 Apr, 2025

Women’s rights

Such judgements, and others directly impacting women’s rights should be given more airtime in media.
Not helping
Updated 02 Apr, 2025

Not helping

If it's committed to peace in Balochistan, the state must draw a line between militancy and legitimate protest.