Islamabad, Sep 4: As of August 31, 2024, the output of cotton in Sindh and Punjab has decreased by sixty percent.
The textile industry in Pakistan is presently under a great deal of strain, with the terrifying prospect of having to import lint from other markets.
By the end of August, just 1.226 million bales had made it to ginning factories, according to the Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA). This is a considerable decrease from the 3.04 million bales produced during the same period previous year.
The difference of more than 0.3 million bales between the harvest numbers published by the PCGA and Punjab’s harvest Reporting Service (CRS) has further shocked the industry and complicated future procurement plans.
Punjab saw a 58% reduction in production, while Sindh reported a 61% decline. Delays in planting, an extended heatwave, high August rains, pest infestations, a decrease in agricultural area, manipulation of the market, and a lack of government funding for research and development are some of the reasons given for the shortage.
Textile mills have resorted to importing cotton as a result of the significant influence on cotton quality and quantity. Deals for 1.6 million bales have already been secured by spinners, and more talks are in the works.
