Pakistan’s cotton sector has received a welcome boost this year, with production rising by an impressive 40% year-on-year, despite heavy rains and floods that damaged fields in several parts of the country.
As per the fresh data released by the Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA), total output stood at 2.004 million bales by September 15, raising hopes of easing pressure on the country’s import bill for raw cotton and edible oil.
Punjab and Sindh are considered to be the two main cotton-growing provinces, both recorded strong growth. Punjab’s ginneries received around 690,000 bales, up 28% from last year, while Sindh led the way with a 47% jump, reporting 1.314 million bales.
The figures keep on suggesting a positive early recovery for a sector that has encountered repeated setbacks over the past few years due to erratic weather and rising input costs.
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Experts keep on believing that multiple factors contributed to this year’s surge. Ihsan-ul-Haq, chairman of the Cotton Ginners Forum, explained that widespread early sowing in Punjab, favorable high temperatures that sped up boll development, and particularly strong yields from Sindh all played a role in lifting production.
Market activity has also reflected renewed optimism. By mid-September, textile mills had purchased 1.652 million bales, nearly 300,000 more than last year, while exporters acquired 26,400 bales. The stronger buying trend indicates growing confidence in domestic supplies, which could reduce reliance on costly imports.
The ginning industry itself appears healthier this season. Punjab currently has 212 operational factories, double the number from the same period last year, while Sindh reported 216 active units, up by 30. Sanghar district in Sindh emerged as the top producer of the country with 779,000 bales, whereas Vehari in Punjab led the province with 114,000 bales.
However, industry watchers caution that the final picture of the 2025-26 cotton season will only be clear by mid-October, once early harvesting concludes and the full impact of floods is assessed. Adding to the uncertainty are discrepancies in crop estimates: while the PCGA reported Punjab’s output at 690,000 bales, the Punjab Crop Reporting Service placed the figure at a much higher 1.715 million bales.
Still, for farmers and policymakers alike, the early surge is a much-needed sign of resilience — proof that Pakistan’s cotton belt can bounce back even in tough times.