Seed cotton arrivals report steep decline at ginning stage

LAHORE: A significant decrease of approximately 60 per cent has been noted in seed cotton arrivals at the ginning stage compared to the previous year.

According to the Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA), the consolidated data for seed cotton arrivals in ginning factories up to August 31, 2024, shows a total of 1.225 million bales. This contrasts sharply with last year’s figure of 3.041 million bales, reflecting a 59.69 per cent drop or a deficit of 1.815 million bales compared to the same period last year.

The most concerning aspect of this year’s data is the reduced quantity of seed cotton reaching ginning facilities by August 31, 2024. During the fortnight from August 16 to August 31, 2024, arrivals totalled only 0.15 million bales, significantly lower than the 0.93 million bales recorded during the same period last year.

Experts attribute this decline to adverse weather conditions, which have not only damaged the standing crop but also slowed down the picking process. In particular, the cotton crop in Sindh was severely affected by two unexpected torrential rainfalls.

PCGA data indicates that seed cotton arrivals from Punjab, the largest producer of cotton in the country, have dropped to 0.452 million bales, compared to 1.068 million bales during the same period last year. In contrast, the agriculture department of Punjab has reported a seed cotton volume of 0.76 million bales for the province, down from 1.1 million bales last year, marking a 30.7 per cent decrease.

Ginners’ data also shows poor performance in several Punjab districts regarding cotton arrivals. No cotton bales have been reported from Pakpattan, Mianwali, and Kasur districts. Rahim Yar Khan, once a leading cotton-producing district, experienced an 86 per cent drop in arrivals. Bahawalnagar saw an 85 per cent reduction, while Bhakkar experienced an 82 per cent decline, and Muzaffargarh had a 71 per cent shortfall compared to last year.

In Sindh, there was a reduction of 1.199 million bales, or a 60.79 per cent decrease compared to the previous year, with ginners purchasing 0.773 million bales up to August 31, 2024, compared to 1.972 million bales last year.

The Sindh districts with the poorest performance include Dadu (100 per cent shortfall compared to last year), Khairpur (96.13 per cent shortfall), Sukkur (94.83 per cent decline), Naushero Feroze (87.81 per cent decrease), and Nawabshah (72.72 per cent shortfall).

This year’s unsold stock amounts to 53,564 bales, a significant decrease from the 257,107 bales reported last year.Experts attribute the decline in cotton production to a combination of factors: water shortages, extreme heat, and untimely rains have all severely impacted the cotton crop this season. Insufficient irrigation and poor water management have reduced crop yields, while unprecedented heat has hindered flowering and boll formation. Humid conditions have also exacerbated pest infestations, leading to lower production levels.

Unpredictable weather patterns due to climate change have adversely affected cotton growth. Economic challenges, including limited access to quality seeds and fertilizers at affordable rates and financial constraints due to low produce prices, have further stressed farmers.