Cotton Area Shortfall Poses Challenge for Textile Industry
By ashish wagh 2024-06-24 16:11:13
Lack of Cotton Creates Problems for Textile Industry
The agriculture sector is facing a significant challenge as cotton cultivation fell short of the target by 21 percent, potentially impacting the textile industry and rural livelihoods. Cotton is a crucial crop for the country, contributing significantly to exports and providing income for many, including laborers in the textile industry and poor women in rural areas who rely on cotton picking.
Official sources indicate that North Punjab missed its cotton target by 26.8 percent, with the Sargodha and Faisalabad divisions achieving 71 and 87 percent of their respective goals. South Punjab, a major cotton hub, also fell short by 21 percent, with the Multan, DG Khan, and Bahawalpur divisions reaching 73, 61, and 87 percent of their targets, respectively.
The textile sector, which is vital to the economy, may face challenges due to the reduced cotton supply. This sector supports millions of jobs and contributes significantly to exports.
Addressing this shortfall collaboratively can help mitigate potential impacts. Secretary of Agriculture for South Punjab, Saqib Ateel, stated that climate change played a major role in the shortfall. He added that adverse weather conditions affected the wheat harvest, delaying the availability of fields for timely cotton sowing.
