Severe temperatures have caused significant damage to early-sown cotton crops in Punjab, leading to a sharp decline in overall production.

According to a report by the Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA) released on August 18, 2024, cotton production plummeted to 392,736 bales, down from 636,684 bales recorded last year, a decrease of 38.4%.

Sindh’s cotton crop has also suffered due to harsh weather conditions, with cotton arrivals dropping to 682,292 bales, down from 1.478 million bales last year, a 53.9% decline.

The Punjab Agriculture Department has launched a comprehensive management plan with support from the private sector, alongside a robust pest management strategy backed by the Land Information and Management System (LIMS) and the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB). Despite the adverse conditions, a recent review meeting in Multan observed an increase in fruiting bodies compared to last year, and efforts are ongoing to convert as many flowers into bolls and achieve the target yield of 19.5 maund per acre for Punjab.

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The PCGA’s latest report shows a nationwide decline in cotton arrivals, with total arrivals dropping by 49.18% to 1.075 million bales from 2.115 million bales last year. Punjab’s arrivals fell to 0.392 million bales from 0.636 million, a 38.4% decrease, while Sindh’s dropped to 0.682 million bales from 0.796 million, a 14.3% decline.

Rahim Yar Khan in Punjab reported a whopping 73.2% decrease in cotton bales, from 23,607 last year to just 6,321 this year. Bahawalpur saw a 41.92% drop, while other key districts such as Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Vehari saw similar declines.