By Commerce Reporter
LAHORE: Pakistan’s cotton belt has been hit by unprecedented floods, leaving vast tracts of farmland destroyed and sparking fears of a severe shortage in raw cotton — the backbone of the country’s $20 billion textile exports.
Farmers in Punjab and Sindh say they have lost entire crops as torrential rains submerged fields, washed away plants, and left soil unfit for immediate replanting. “We lost everything in these floods,” said Muhammad Iqbal, a cotton grower from Rahim Yar Khan. “This was our only source of livelihood.”
Cotton at the Heart of Exports
Cotton and textiles account for 62 percent of Pakistan’s total exports, providing employment to millions and generating crucial foreign exchange. With domestic cotton production already in long-term decline, this year’s devastation is expected to force Pakistan into record cotton imports — mostly from the United States and Brazil.
Industry insiders warn that higher import bills will push up production costs, reduce competitiveness, and widen the trade deficit. According to the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA), Pakistan is the largest importer of U.S. cotton, and the crisis will only deepen reliance on foreign suppliers.
Textile Industry Under Pressure
The textile sector is already battling an energy crisis, heavy taxation, and an influx of cheaper imported yarn. More than 100 spinning mills are reportedly closed due to unsustainable costs. The cotton shortage could deliver a knockout blow to what remains of Pakistan’s spinning and weaving base.
“Availability of raw cotton is essential for Pakistan’s economy,” said a member of APTMA. “Without it, our export orders will shrink, workers will suffer, and the country’s trade balance will deteriorate further.”
Floods and Climate Change
The floods highlight the vulnerability of Pakistan’s agriculture to climate change. Scientists warn that extreme weather events are becoming more frequent, while outdated irrigation systems and poor seed quality leave crops more exposed to disaster.
An APTMA North leader, urged urgent technology transfer from the U.S. for high-yield cotton seeds and partnerships with international research institutes. “We need genetically modified and certified seed technology, otherwise cotton farming will keep collapsing,” he said.
Call for Policy Support
Experts say that unless Pakistan secures international support and modernizes its agriculture, the country risks losing its competitive edge in global textile markets.
Farmers on the Edge
For small farmers, the crisis is existential. Many have taken loans to plant cotton and now face debts they cannot repay. Some are considering abandoning cotton altogether for less risky crops like sugarcane and maize.
“Our young men are already migrating to cities,” said Shazia Bibi, a farmer from Bahawalpur. “If cotton disappears, entire communities will collapse.”
The Road Ahead
Pakistan’s cotton crisis is more than a rural tragedy — it is a national economic emergency. Without decisive measures, from seed technology to climate adaptation, the floods may mark the beginning of a long decline for the country’s most vital export sector.
