Pakistan’s cotton sector is facing a growing crisis as an intense heatwave, prolonged dry weather and severe water shortages threaten to push production to one of its lowest levels in recent years.

Industry officials say soaring temperatures, little to no rainfall and reduced canal water supplies, particularly in Sindh, have caused significant damage to cotton crops. Farmers are also battling increased pest attacks, including mites and lice, which are affecting both crop yields and cotton quality.

The worsening situation has already begun to impact market prices. Cotton lint prices increased by around Rs400 per maund during the past week, reaching approximately Rs18,200 in Punjab and Rs17,700 in Sindh. Traders believe prices could rise further if supply shortages continue.

The crisis is also putting pressure on Pakistan’s textile industry, which relies heavily on local cotton production. Limited crop arrivals have forced several ginning factories and textile mills to reduce operations or temporarily shut down.

In Sindh’s Tando Adam area, some ginning factories reportedly closed only weeks after starting operations. Meanwhile, Rahim Yar Khan, one of the country’s major cotton-producing regions, has reportedly seen no active ginning factories in mid-July for the first time in 15 years.

Agriculture experts warn that a sharp decline in cotton output could increase Pakistan’s dependence on costly imports and affect export earnings from the textile sector.

To help farmers cope, the Punjab Agriculture Department has advised more frequent irrigation and the use of micronutrients to reduce heat stress on crops.

Industry leaders have urged federal and provincial governments to take immediate steps to support cotton growers, protect jobs and strengthen the country’s textile supply chain.