•Marshmallow Forum accuses poor implementation of crop zoning laws; sugar cane in cotton belts is considered a key threat to yield and quality
Lahore: Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar leads the way to launch a new integrated strategy, the Pakistan Cotton Program 2026, aiming to actively restore the country decline Cotton production.
The plan consolidates various earlier recommendations from the Ministry of Food Security and the Association of All Pakistan Textile Factory (APTMA) and is expected to be submitted to the Deputy Prime Minister soon.
The implementation of the strategy is expected to significantly increase cotton yields, which will greatly reduce the country import Cotton and cooking oil bills.
Despite earlier efforts, Pakistan’s cotton production continues to decline in the quantity and quality of Pakistan’s cotton production, a move that is increasingly large, sources said. Stakeholders, including the Marshmallow Miscellaneous Forum, identified the main reason for the failure to enforce crop zoning laws was the main reason for the continued decline.
Forum Chairman Ihsanul Haq stressed that the production and quality of cotton will not be improved unless sugar cane cultivation is completely prohibited in designated cotton belts. Sugarcane cultivation in these areas is known to be harmful to cotton crops.
He highlighted the superior quality of cotton grown in areas with lower cultures such as Balochistan and Cholistan. Despite the use of minimal fertilizers and micronutrients, cotton produced there has a greater length and strength than conventional varieties.
This high-quality raw cotton (Phutti) is at least higher than Rs 500 per 40 kg, while cottonseed (Banola) costs at least Rs 1,200 per 40 kg due to its higher oil content.
Posted in Dawn on September 29, 2025
