Pakistan’s cotton production has declined sharply to 6.8 million bales during the 2025–26 season, falling 34% short of the official target of 10.18 million bales, according to data presented to the Federal Committee on Agriculture (FCA).
The committee, chaired by Minister of State for National Food Security and Research Malik Rasheed Ahmed Khan, was informed that the estimated output stands at 6.85 million bales from 2 million hectares of land.
Officials attributed the shortfall to multiple factors, including climate change, unseasonal rains, floods, pest attacks such as whitefly and pink bollworm, the Cotton Leaf Curl Virus Disease (CLCuD), limited seed technology, and competition from other crops.
Earlier this year, the FCA had set a target of 10.18 million bales from 2.2 million hectares. However, actual cultivation reached only 2 million hectares—11.5% less than planned—contributing to the decline in production.
The setback highlights continued structural and environmental challenges facing Pakistan’s cotton sector, a key input for the country’s textile industry and exports.
