Pakistan's Cotton Crisis: Experts Warn of 50% Yield Decline Due to Climate Change, Unsustainable Practices

Climate change, coupled with dwindling water resources and unsustainable farming practices, has led to a significant decline in national cotton yields, with a 50% reduction over the past 15 years. This alarming trend threatens the country's most vital cash crop and has raised concerns among leading agricultural scientists. They emphasized the need for coordinated research, innovation, and policy reforms to revive and protect Pakistan's cotton industry.

Key Takeaways:

• The country's cotton output has fallen by over 50% since 2010, with climate change, dwindling irrigation supplies, and middlemen exploitation being major contributing factors.
• Traditional cotton belts such as Multan, Ghotki, and Sanghar are shifting to sugar cane and rice, posing a threat to agricultural balance and economic sustainability.
• Developing climate-resilient, pest-tolerant, and water-efficient cotton varieties is crucial for reviving cotton production.
• The Centre of Agriculture and Biosciences International (CABI) has trained over 30,000 farmers in natural and sustainable pest management practices to reduce chemical dependency and ensure long-term crop resilience.
• Pakistan's cotton supply chain is in need of structural changes, ranging from seed to market and export, to restore the crop's competitiveness.
• Farmers must be placed at the heart of the cotton value chain, and their empowerment, training, and representation in policy processes are essential for sustainable recovery.

Statistics:

• Pakistan's cotton output has fallen by over 50% since 2010.
• Cotton alone accounts for 65% of Pakistan's pesticide and chemical use, significantly aggravating environmental degradation and public health concerns.
• Pakistan recorded its lowest cotton yield in 2024-25, with Sanghar and Ghotki being among the hardest hit.

Sources:

• Centre of Agriculture and Biosciences International (CABI)
• Sindh Agriculture University (SAU)
• Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Sindh Office
• Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC)
• Business Incubation Centre of Sindh Agriculture University (SAU)