A major factor behind Pakistan’s declining cotton production is the lack of investment in research and development (R&D) and policy gaps. Over the years, insufficient investment in cotton research and seed improvement has left farmers without access to modern technology and high-yield varieties.
Key reasons for this sharp decline include climate change, reduced cultivation area, water scarcity, rising prices of agricultural inputs, and the absence of appropriate policies. This shortfall has not only created a raw material shortage for the domestic textile industry but is also expected to lead to historic increases in cotton imports.
Dr. Jassu Mal stressed the need for reviving Pakistan’s cotton sector demands immediate action.withdrawal of all taxes of cotton , Cotton seed cake, Cotton seed oil,and other related products. Policymakers must incentivise cotton growers, formulate integrated policies to address water scarcity,supplied of farm implements and inputs on subsidized price and strengthen R&D by merging institutions like the Pakistan Central Cotton Committee with the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council to establish a unified cotton wing.
He said that 18 percent sales tax and withholding tax had stabbed in the back of dying cotton economy. while imported cotton was declared duty free. He was of the view that Government should take all stake holder into confidence to resctify all mistakes and wrong steps
Sources indicate that cotton worth $5 billion may be imported this year, adding an extra burden on Pakistan’s foreign reserves.
