Floods And Rains Threaten Cotton Production Across Pakistan

For the first time in the country's history, all major cotton-growing zones of Pakistan have been hit simultaneously by rains and floods , with initial assessments indicating that Bahawalnagar has suffered the most damage. However, reports suggest that cotton crops in other regions have not yet sustained significant losses.

This week is being described as crucial for the national economy, as a major flood wave moving from South Punjab towards Sindh, combined with ongoing rains in parts of Sindh, is expected to determine the fate of cotton and other crops in both South Punjab and Sindh.

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Cotton Ginners Forum Chairman, Ihsanul Haq, said that due to India's“water aggression” and unexpected rainfall, Pakistan is facing one of the biggest agricultural crises in its history. He noted that the actual scale of damage to crops, particularly cotton, will only become clear by the end of September.

He added that as a result of climate-induced changes triggered by the rains and floods, nearly all types of cotton across several zones are witnessing early-stage viral attacks. However, he expressed hope that timely application of urea fertilizer or boron sprays could help control the initial damage caused by the virus.

The Chairman further revealed that a high-level meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar was held last week to discuss cotton revival strategies. The meeting was attended by several key stakeholders along with four federal ministers, where multiple proposals for restoring cotton production were reviewed.

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