Faced with a persistent decline in one of its key cash crops, Pakistan is rolling out an ambitious strategy to revive cotton farming and reduce its heavy reliance on imports. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar is spearheading the Pakistan Cotton Plan 2026, a comprehensive policy aimed at boosting both the quantity and quality of the country’s cotton production.
The initiative comes at a critical time. Years of falling yields and deteriorating fiber quality have hurt Pakistan’s textile sector—the country’s largest export industry. The plan, which consolidates input from the Ministry of Food Security and textile industry stakeholders, aims to aggressively reverse this trend.
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Root of the Problem
A major factor behind the decline, according to the Cotton Ginners Forum, is the continued cultivation of sugarcane in traditional cotton zones. Forum Chairman Ihsanul Haq emphasized that without strict enforcement of crop zoning laws and a complete ban on sugarcane in these areas, cotton revival will remain out of reach.
“Sugarcane and cotton are water-intensive, but sugarcane in cotton zones directly undermines soil health and cotton yields,” he explained.
Glimmers of Hope
Interestingly, some regions of Pakistan are already producing premium-quality cotton without heavy reliance on fertilizers or pesticides. Farmers in areas like Balochistan and Cholistan are growing cotton with longer and stronger fibers, earning significantly higher prices in the market.
Raw cotton from these areas sells for at least Rs500 more per 40kg, while the cottonseed—rich in oil content—commands an additional Rs1,200 per 40kg. This demonstrates the potential for high-value cotton cultivation with the right practices and policies.
Way Forward
The Cotton Plan 2026 is expected to focus on:
- Enforcing crop zoning laws
- Promoting climate-resilient and quality-oriented farming
- Providing targeted support to farmers in key cotton zones
- Encouraging the adoption of modern agricultural techniques
If implemented effectively, the plan could cut Pakistan’s import bill for cotton and edible oils, stabilize the textile sector, and restore the prosperity of millions dependent on cotton farming.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Pakistan Cotton Plan 2026?
It is a strategic government initiative led by Deputy PM Ishaq Dar to revive Pakistan’s declining cotton production through improved policies, enforcement of crop zoning, and support for farmers.
2. Why has cotton production declined in Pakistan?
A major reason is the encroachment of sugarcane farming into cotton-growing zones, which degrades soil and reduces cotton yields. Inconsistent policies and climate challenges have also played a role.
3. Which areas in Pakistan are producing high-quality cotton?
Balochistan and Cholistan are producing cotton with superior fiber quality, despite minimal use of fertilizers. This cotton earns higher prices in local and international markets.
4. How will this plan help the economy?
By boosting local cotton production, Pakistan can reduce its import bill for cotton and edible oils, support its textile industry, and increase farmer incomes.
5. What is crop zoning and why is it important?
Crop zoning refers to designating specific areas for specific crops to optimize yield and resource use. Enforcing it can prevent competing crops like sugarcane from undermining cotton cultivation.
