Pakistan’s lint production has come down by around 31 per cent. High cost of inputs, weak prices, poor weather, increased pest attacks of pink bollworm and white fly are discouraging farmers from better crop management despite all efforts.

Pakistan is the world’s fourth cotton producer after China, India and the United States. The country’s area harvested is expected to decrease to 2.8 million hectares and yield is estimated at 28 per cent lower.

The decline in lint production has led to a decline in the annual growth of the country this fiscal year. Growth has declined by around 0.5 per cent to five per cent. Pakistan’s cotton production during the 2016 crop year has fallen to its lowest in 17 years, depressed by poor weather and pest outbreaks. This will force consumers to rely on imports to meet end demand.

The country may face a production deficit of around 3.5 million bales. Imports would stand around at 2.75 million bales. Asia is the major cotton producing region. China and India account for 54 per cent of the total world cotton production. India’s 2015-16 crop is estimated at 27.8 million bales, down six per cent from the preceding year on lower area.