Pakistan Cotton Production Jumps 27%

Pakistan's cotton harvest surged 27 percent year-on-year to reach nearly 1.7 million bales by August 31, driven by favorable weather conditions that enhanced crop quality and yields, according to figures from the Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association. The cumulative arrivals jumped to 1,696,451 bales, compared to 1,335,632 bales during the corresponding period last year.

Favorable weather patterns, encompassing dry weather, cooler nights, and favorable winds, contributed to increased per-acre yields while minimizing moisture and waste in the crop. Sindh province led the recovery, contributing 1.14 million bales, up 31 percent year-on-year, while Sanghar district reported the highest district-level arrivals at 757,845 bales.

Punjab province recorded 557,097 bales, marking a nearly 20 percent increase. Textile mills purchased a record 975,000 bales from ginning factories, representing a 34 percent rise from the previous year, while exporters acquired 70,600 bales. The count of operational ginning factories also rose to 332. The robust crop has alleviated the pressure on cotton imports, although concerns over quality persist.

Ihsanul Haq, Chairman of the Cotton Ginners Forum, cautioned that certain ginners were mixing cotton waste with pure cotton, a practice that could compromise lint quality and Pakistan's reputation if left unchecked.