Pakistan's Cotton Crisis: Experts Warn of Steep Decline in National Yields

Strategic Insights -

Agricultural experts have raised alarm over the dramatic decline in cotton cultivation across Pakistan, citing climate change, shrinking water resources, and unsustainable farming practices as key contributors to a 50% drop in national cotton yields over the past 15 years. The warning comes as Pakistan's most vital cash crop faces a critical juncture, with traditional cotton belts shifting to other crops and the country's agricultural economy facing unprecedented challenges. Experts have called for urgent and coordinated research, innovation, and policy reforms to protect and revive Pakistan's cotton industry.

Key Takeaways:

  • Pakistan's cotton output has declined by nearly 50% over the past 15 years due to climate change, dwindling irrigation supplies, middlemen exploitation, unfair pricing mechanisms, rising input costs, and declining export quality.
  • Traditional cotton belts such as Multan, Ghotki, and Sanghar are shifting to sugarcane and rice, threatening the agricultural balance and economic sustainability of Pakistan.
  • Over 65% of toxic chemicals and pesticides are used in cotton cultivation, contributing to environmental pollution and health-related risks.
  • CABI has trained over 30,000 farmers in natural and sustainable pest management practices to reduce chemical dependency.
  • FAO is implementing projects across Sindh to enhance farmer capacity building, rural women's economic participation, and food security resilience amid climate pressures.
  • Pakistan recorded its lowest cotton yield in 2024-25, with Sanghar and Ghotki districts among the hardest hit.

Statistics:

  • 50% decline in Pakistan's national cotton yields over the past 15 years (source: experts at the "Cotton Mela 2025")
  • 65% of toxic chemicals and pesticides used in cotton cultivation (source: Dr. Hebatullah Asad, Project Manager, CABI)
  • Over 30,000 farmers trained in sustainable pest management practices by CABI (source: Dr. Hebatullah Asad, Project Manager, CABI)
  • 50% decline in Pakistan's cotton production over the past 15 years (source: Dr. Hebatullah Asad, Project Manager, CABI)

Sources:

  • Experts at the "Cotton Mela 2025" event, organized by the Centre of Agriculture and Biosciences International (CABI) at the Business Incubation Centre of Sindh Agriculture University (SAU), Tandojam.
  • Project Manager of CABI Dr. Hebatullah Asad.
  • Coordinator of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Sindh Office Dr. Ashfaq Ahmed Nahiyoon.
  • Juma Khan Bajkani from the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC).