Karachi ( The COW News Digital) Recent heavy rains and floods in Pakistan have severely affected cotton crops in multiple regions, raising concerns that the country may not achieve its anticipated high cotton yield for the 2025-26 season. Experts warn that the damage could undermine efforts to increase production compared to last year.
According to reports, the floods and rainfall have directly impacted cotton fields, while certain zones in Punjab and Sindh are also facing additional threats. In Punjab, areas with underground freshwater zones, known locally as Kacha regions, have experienced environmental challenges, which have affected crop growth. Meanwhile, some cotton zones in Sindh are reportedly facing virus attacks, further compounding the risk to the harvest. Accurate assessments of losses will only be possible once floodwaters recede and field inspections are conducted.
Ehsan ul Haq, Chairman of the Cotton Ginners Forum, told The Express that the cotton planting season began in early May in both Punjab and Sindh. Initial forecasts predicted a 20 to 25 percent increase in cotton production compared to the previous year. However, unseasonal rainfall, high nighttime temperatures, and viral infections have negatively affected crop growth, raising concerns about reduced yield per acre.
Among the hardest-hit areas is Bahawalnagar, Punjab, which is the province’s largest cotton-producing district. Preliminary estimates suggest that around 40 percent of the cotton crop there has already been lost due to the extreme weather, with potential additional damage expected if rainfall and flooding continue.
In Punjab’s Kacha regions, where the cane crop has historically been high, environmental contamination resulting from excessive rainfall has significantly affected cotton cultivation. Experts also report an increase in virus attacks in these areas, threatening the quality and quantity of the cotton harvest.
The combined impact of floods, heavy rains, and viral infections poses a serious challenge to Pakistan’s textile sector, which relies heavily on domestic cotton production. Farmers and industry stakeholders are urging the government to provide relief measures, including crop insurance and support for affected areas, to mitigate the economic impact of the disaster.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, while agricultural experts emphasize the need for immediate interventions and proper field management practices to minimize losses and ensure sustainable crop production in the affected regions.
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