MULTAN: Cotton production across Pakistan, particularly in the traditional cotton belt of South Punjab, has been experiencing a significant and consistent decline due to a combination of pest infestations, counterfeit agricultural inputs, climatic challenges and poor support policy, according to the latest report by the Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA).
The PCGA report reveals a sharp drop of 32.64 per cent in cotton bale arrivals at ginning factories by July 15, 2025, compared to the same period in 2024. A total of 297,751 bales reached ginneries this year, in contrast to 442,041 bales last year - a shortfall of 144,290 bales. The cotton experts have identified two major pests: whitefly and pink bollworm as primary causes of the production decline. Whitefly weakens the cotton plant by sucking its sap, spreading cotton leaf curl virus (CLCV), and promoting sooty mold that impairs photosynthesis and boll development.
Meanwhile, pink bollworm damages the fiber from within the boll, making early detection difficult and contributing to reduced yields and lint quality. In heavily infested areas, yield losses of 40-50 percent have been recorded. Despite ongoing research efforts to develop pest-resistant cotton varieties, excessive misuse of adulterated pesticides has rendered them ineffective, even against certified Bt cotton. The agriculture experts say mechanisms to curb the sale of counterfeit fertilizers and pesticides have failed due to political interference. Many pesticide manufacturers allegedly have familial ties to legislators, hindering regulatory enforcement.
Nawaz Pawinda, an agricultural scientist, emphasised the neglect of integrated pest management (IPM) due to limited farmer awareness. He also cited persistent climatic challenges such as high humidity and temperature, particularly in South Punjab districts like Multan, Bahawalpur, Lodhran, Vehari, and Khanewal as favourable conditions for pest outbreaks.