Climate change leads to early cotton sowing in Sindh
LAHORE: In a significant shift driven by changing climatic patterns, cotton sowing has begun for the first time during the second week of November in several coastal areas of Sindh, marking a major departure from traditional agricultural practices. The unprecedented winter sowing comes as the country’s leading agricultural research institutions partner to address the challenges posed by climate…
In a remarkable departure from traditional agricultural practices, cotton sowing has commenced in several coastal areas of Sindh during the second week of November, driven by shifting climate patterns. This unprecedented early sowing comes as Pakistan's top agricultural research institutions collaborate to tackle the adverse impacts of climate change.
Historically, Pakistan's cotton-growing zones followed a distinct timeline: coastal Sindh began sowing in February-March, while the rest of the country started from May 1 to the first week of June. However, fluctuating temperature patterns have gradually shifted the sowing season to February in coastal Sindh and some Punjab districts, and April-May in other regions.
Recently, favorable temperatures during the second week of November have prompted farmers in coastal Sindh's districts of Thatta and Sujawal, including Chuhar Jamali, Mirpur Sakro, Gharo, Buhara, Keti Bunder, and Chhachh Jahan, to initiate cotton sowing. They are utilizing fields cleared after the rice harvest, while some are intercropping cotton with ongoing tomato crops.
Experts suggest that if temperatures remain conducive throughout November and early December, a record-breaking area could be brought under cotton cultivation in these districts, potentially leading to an early cotton ginning season by March. Cotton Ginners Forum Chairman Ihsanul Haq expressed concern over the 'unseasonal' temperature fluctuations in recent years, which have disrupted Pakistan's crop cycles, reduced per-acre yields, compromised crop quality, and adversely affected the national economy.
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