Torrential rains, floods hit Punjab agriculture hard, strain rural economy

Torrential rains and devastating floods have inflicted heavy toll on Punjab’s agricultural sector, with cotton, maize, and vegetables suffering severe losses and raising concerns over the province’s rural economy. The persistent downpours, which began in late June, have left fields waterlogged, disrupted crop growth, and forced delays in sowing and harvesting.

Farmers warn that prolonged saturation has killed crops and made soil unsuitable for future planting. The Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA) estimates that 800,000 acres of early cotton crops have been severely affected, reducing arrivals at ginning units across Punjab and Sindh.

Heavy rains have also damaged cotton across major growing areas, putting Pakistan’s 2025-26 cotton production target at risk. Virus attacks in parts of Punjab and Sindh, particularly in regions with underground freshwater reserves, have further disrupted crop growth. 

Cotton Ginners Forum Chairman Ihsanul Haq noted that despite a promising season start—with early ginning in May in some districts—unseasonal rainfall, high nighttime temperatures, humidity, and virus outbreaks have hampered yields. 

Bahawalnagar, Punjab’s largest cotton-producing district, is estimated to have lost 40% of its crop so far, with further losses expected as rain continues.

The impact extends to other crops as well. Delayed maize sowing and continuous rainfall have reduced yields, while sensitive vegetables, including sesame, have been destroyed in flooded areas. Traders warn that transportation issues caused by damaged rural infrastructure may push urban vegetable prices higher in the coming months.

Experts advise farmers to maintain clear drainage channels to prevent waterlogging, which can promote weed growth and increase susceptibility to armyworm and fungal infections. Reduced seed cotton arrivals have temporarily halted operations at several ginning factories, yet cotton prices have fallen to Rs16,200-16,300 per maund from Rs16,500-16,600, raising concerns among farmers and ginners.

The monsoon’s impact is compounded by environmental pressures, including excessive sugarcane cultivation in Kacha lands, which makes cotton more vulnerable to viral infections. Weather forecasts indicate additional rainfall in Punjab and Sindh this week, with potential flood threats in Rahim Yar Khan and surrounding areas likely to worsen crop conditions.

The federal government is preparing measures to support the textile sector, with Federal Commerce Minister Jam Kamal informing mill owners that a five-year textile policy will soon be unveiled to address production challenges and promote exports. 

Meanwhile, reliable national production figures for the 2025-26 cotton season are expected by the first week of October, once the full impact of rain and floods is assessed.