Climate Change Threatens Pakistan’s Cotton Sector: 7 Urgent Challenges Endangering a Vital Industry

Climate change threatens Pakistan’s cotton sector in unprecedented ways. From rising temperatures and unpredictable rainfall to devastating pest outbreaks, the country’s most important cash crop is under siege.

At a recent Cotton Committee meeting chaired by Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain, government officials, scientists, and industry leaders examined last year’s crop performance and discussed critical challenges ahead.

The consensus was clear: without urgent climate adaptation measures, Pakistan’s cotton yield and quality will continue to decline — jeopardizing livelihoods and the textile industry.

Cotton’s Role in Pakistan’s Economy

Cotton is often called the “white gold” of Pakistan. It:

• Employs millions in rural communities.

• Drives the textile industry, which accounts for over 60% of export earnings.

• Supports related sectors like ginning, spinning, and garment manufacturing.

However, according to the Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA), cotton output has been falling steadily over the past decade due to reduced farmland, water scarcity, pest attacks, and unstable market prices — all intensified by climate change.

(Internal link suggestion: Link to your earlier article on “Pakistan’s agriculture sector and climate change impacts.”)

Five Major Ways Climate Change Threatens Cotton

The Cotton Committee identified five alarming climate-related challenges:

1. Extreme Weather Events

Unseasonal rains, heatwaves, and droughts damage crops during critical growth stages, lowering yields.

2. Pest and Disease Outbreaks

Warmer winters fail to kill pests like pink bollworm and whitefly, increasing infestations.
Read FAO’s report on cotton pest management.

3. Water Scarcity

Shrinking river flows and groundwater depletion threaten irrigation supplies.

4. Soil Degradation

Climate shifts, combined with unsustainable farming, deplete soil fertility.

5. Declining Farmland

Urbanization and crop switching reduce land available for cotton cultivation.

Government’s Strategy for Sustainable Cotton

Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain emphasized three critical policy directions:

• Early Sowing: Proven to boost yields when timed with favorable climate conditions.

• Quality Seeds & Inputs: Ensuring farmers get certified seeds resistant to pests and drought.

• Farmer Training: Promoting climate-smart agriculture to adapt to changing conditions.

The government also plans to expand research on heat- and pest-resistant cotton varieties through collaboration with agricultural universities and research institutions.

Farmer-Led Solutions and Climate-Smart Practices

While policy changes are essential, farmers remain the frontline defense against climate change. Experts recommend:

• Integrated Pest Management (IPM) instead of heavy pesticide reliance.

• Efficient Irrigation like drip systems to save water.

• Crop Rotation with legumes to restore soil health.

• Organic Soil Amendments to retain moisture during droughts.

Market Stabilization and Price Protection

The Cotton Committee discussed measures to stabilize cotton prices and shield farmers from sudden market crashes, including:

• Minimum Support Prices (MSP) to ensure farmers cover production costs.

• Encouraging forward contracts between farmers and textile mills.

• Reducing reliance on cotton imports by improving domestic supply.

Such policies aim to restore farmer confidence and encourage long-term investment in cotton cultivation.

The Way Forward

The future of Pakistan’s cotton sector depends on urgent, coordinated action among farmers, policymakers, and the private sector. Without adaptation, the country risks losing a crop that is both an economic lifeline and a cultural staple.

By investing in resilient farming systems, training farmers in climate-smart methods, and ensuring fair market prices, Pakistan can safeguard its cotton sector from the worst impacts of climate change.

Quick Facts:

• Pakistan is the 5th largest cotton producer globally.

• The textile industry provides jobs to over 40% of industrial labor.

• Cotton contributes over $13 billion annually in export value.

External Resource:
International Cotton Advisory Committee – Climate Impact on Cotton