Cotton Crisis Hits Farmers and Textile Industry: Markazi Kisan League

LAHORE: Markazi Kisan League (MKL) President Muhammad Ashfaq Virk has expressed serious concern over the continued decline in Pakistan’s cotton production, warning that the crisis is affecting not only farmers but also the country’s ginning and textile industries. He called for immediate government measures to revive cotton cultivation, cautioning that continued neglect could cause further damage to the agricultural economy and textile sector.
Muhammad Ashfaq Virk said Pakistan once produced around 40 to 50 maunds of cotton per acre, but average yields had now fallen to just 14 to 16 maunds. As a result, farmers were increasingly shifting from cotton to crops such as rice and sugarcane, which offered better returns.
He said poor-quality seeds, limited availability of high-yielding varieties and government restrictions on importing modern seed varieties were among the major reasons for the decline. The lack of adequate investment in agricultural research and modern technology had further weakened the cotton sector, he added.
The MKL president said declining domestic production had created a shortage of raw cotton, forcing the textile industry to rely on imports and spend valuable foreign exchange. He added that around 150 ginning factories had reportedly closed due to the shortage.
Muhammad Ashfaq Virk urged the government to introduce high-yielding cotton varieties, ensure the availability of quality seeds, strengthen agricultural research and provide farmers with modern farming technology.
He said restoring cotton production was essential for increasing farmers’ incomes, supporting the textile industry and strengthening the national economy.