Pakistan’s seed cotton (phutti) arrivals increased by more than 32 percent year-on-year by July 31, driven by a sharp rise in Sindh that more than offset a slight decline in Punjab, according to the latest data released by the Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA).
The fortnightly PCGA report showed total arrivals reaching 785,822 bales, up 32.33 percent from 593,821 bales recorded during the same period last year.
Sindh led the increase, with arrivals surging 66.82 percent to 487,672 bales, while Punjab recorded a marginal 1.1 percent decline to 298,150 bales. Balochistan also posted strong growth, with arrivals rising 52.67 percent to 22,900 bales.
According to the report, textile mills purchased 704,000 bales, exporters bought 3,400 bales, while 78,044 bales remained unsold at ginning factories. A total of 231 ginning factories were operational across the country, including 108 in Punjab and 123 in Sindh.
Sanghar district accounted for 398,000 bales, representing 82 percent of Sindh’s production and more than half of the country’s total arrivals, largely due to earlier sowing and harvesting in the province’s coastal belt.
However, industry experts highlighted concerns over Punjab’s performance. Cotton Ginners Forum Chairman Ihsanul Haq pointed to a significant gap between PCGA data and Punjab’s Crop Reporting Service estimates, calling for clarification from the relevant authorities. He also warned that expanding sugarcane cultivation, particularly in Bahawalpur Division, continues to reduce cotton acreage and increase Pakistan’s dependence on imported cotton and edible oil.
Meanwhile, Sajid Mahmood, head of the Transfer of Technology Department at the Central Cotton Research Institute (CCRI), said the early figures indicate a promising start to the season, especially in Sindh.
However, he cautioned that August and September will provide a clearer picture of the overall crop, while prolonged humidity and monsoon rains could increase the risk of whitefly, pink bollworm and crop diseases, potentially affecting yields and lint quality.
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