Punjab’s cotton area falls below 1966-67 level, reaches 2.71 million acres

Cotton cultivation in Punjab has fallen to around 2.71 million acres in the 2026-27 season, staying below the 2.964 million acres recorded in 1966-67 and missing the provincial target of 3.2 million acres, as lower sowing raises concerns over domestic output and import dependence.

According to estimates, Punjab planted cotton on nearly 2.71 million acres in the ongoing season against the overall target of 3.2 million acres.

Available historical data shows that the cotton area in Punjab stood at 2.964 million acres in 1966-67 and 3.291 million acres in 1967-68. The current season’s cultivation level, therefore, remains below the area recorded in 1966-67.

Cotton sowing in Punjab has also remained short despite the completion of key planting windows.

Early sowing in the province usually ends by March, while late sowing continues through May.

The provincial government had set a target of bringing at least 700,000 acres under early-sown cotton by March 31, 2026, but only about 560,000 acres were sown.

According to Cotton Outlook, an international cotton resource, the lower acreage has affected Pakistan’s production estimates for the ongoing season.

Initial reports indicate a shortfall of about 15% against Punjab’s overall sowing target.

Cotton Outlook estimates also place this season’s cotton area at the lowest level since 1983-84.

Cotton Outlook’s latest revision has cut Pakistan’s cotton output estimate for 2026-27 by 35,000 tonnes to 1.165 million tonnes from the April estimate of 1.2 million tonnes.

The revision comes as global cotton production is projected to rise by 79,000 tonnes to 25.45 million tonnes.

Brazil, the United States and Turkey are expected to record production gains in 2026-27, while Pakistan is the only major producer facing a downward revision.

Pakistan’s cotton consumption is projected to remain steady at 2.285 million tonnes.

With production near 1.165 million tonnes, the country is expected to require more than 1.1 million tonnes of imported cotton annually to meet textile mill demand.

Cotton Outlook said Pakistan’s cotton production had not kept pace with domestic demand or global producers. It said lower output would increase import bills, add pressure on foreign exchange and create risks for the textile sector, which remains a major source of exports.

The decline in cotton area comes at a time when textile mills are already relying on imported cotton because of limited domestic supplies. Sector representatives say the lower sowing area could deepen the supply gap unless crop conditions improve during the season.