Summary
Pakistan is amongst the leading cotton producers. Currently it is fifth largest producer of cotton in the world. This season Pakistan is expecting a very strong cotton harvest which will improve its exports.
Analysis
Cotton is a natural fiber that finds use in many products. These range from clothing to home furnishings to medical products. As a result, cotton is always in demand though its use is subject to the strengths and weaknesses of the overall economy
Pakistan remains a huge cotton producer and exporter and has a very strong cotton and textile industry. Pakistan is the fifth largest producer of cotton in the world, the third largest exporter of raw cotton, the fourth largest consumer of cotton, and the largest exporter of cotton yarn. A large amount of revenue is generated each year through exports.
In Pakistan, cotton is an important cash crop and lifeline of textile industry. It accounts for 8.2 per cent of the value-added in the agriculture sector and about two per cent to GDP, adds over $2.8 b.
Bt cotton has played a huge role in Pakistan cotton industry. Production has increased as a result of Bt cotton cultivation. Also the analysts believe that the sporadic cultivation of BT cotton both in Sindh and Punjab has resulted in sudden hike in cotton production. The analysts and scientists believe that if the pace of current arrivals of seed cotton is taken into account it would mean that the country may achieve a record cotton production of around 17 million bales this season.
This is a very good sign for Pakistan cotton farmers as a lot of farmers directly rely on cotton farming for their bread and butter.
