A new satellite-based initiatives is set to resolve Punjab’s cotton data gaps. The new satellite initiative program on cotton cultivation production in Punjab, aims to resolve the discrepancies in production data figures.
Scheduled for launch next year, the initiative is expected to help farmers, traders, and policymakers make more informed decisions regarding imports, exports, and agricultural planning.
The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), in collaboration with China and the Land Information and Management System (LIMS), will oversee the project. LIMS, established in 2023, focuses on optimising agriculture through technology and sustainable practices.
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Punjab’s cotton production figures have been a subject of controversy for years. The Punjab Crop Reporting Service (CRS) consistently reports higher outputs than the Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA), raising questions about data accuracy. For FY25, CRS reported 609,000 bales of seed cotton harvested in Punjab by July 31, while PCGA recorded only 301,000 bales.
CRS officials say their methodology relies on GPS-enabled tools, random sampling, and FAO-endorsed practices, including ground truthing. In contrast, PCGA counts only cotton delivered to operational ginning factories. CRS Director-General Dr Abdul Qayyum explained that PCGA figures exclude cotton held at farms, transferred to other provinces, or stored by stockists. Under-invoicing at ginning factories has further affected accuracy. The CRS has requested the Federal Board of Revenue to implement a system for real-time reporting at all ginning facilities.
In related developments, the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) has shown interest in taking over the Pakistan Central Cotton Committee (PCCC). A recent meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar reportedly resolved pending financial matters between APTMA and PCCC. Approval of the takeover could accelerate research into high-yielding and climate-resilient cotton varieties, potentially increasing per-acre yields.
Meanwhile, heavy rainfall across key cotton-growing regions has reduced the availability of premium-quality cotton, driving prices up by Rs200–300 per maund, reaching Rs16,400–16,600 in local markets. Cotton Ginners Forum Chairman Ihsanul Haq warned that further depreciation of the Pakistani rupee against the US dollar could push prices even higher.
