Heavy rains and flooding have damaged cotton across key zones in Punjab and Sindh, raising fresh doubts that Pakistan can meet strong output targets in cotton year 2025–26.
Pakistan cotton: early gains reversed by weather
Cotton Ginners Forum chairman Ehsan-ul-Haq told private media that parts of Punjab and Sindh began the new ginning season in early May.
Output was expected to rise 20–25 percent from last year.
Unexpected downpours and warmer night temperatures, however, increased humidity and virus pressure, slowing plant growth and putting per-acre yields at risk.
Reports of virus attacks are circulating in several Punjab cotton zones with sweet groundwater, and in some Sindh districts.
Stakeholders said the true scale of damage can only be determined after floodwaters recede.
Adding to previous, the fields are dry enough for field surveys.
Any revised production estimate will reflect actual boll setting and plant survival, not early-season sowing intentions.
Major losses reported in Bahawalnagar
According to Ehsan-ul-Haq, Punjab has taken the heaviest hit so far.
In Bahawalnagar, Punjab’s top cotton-producing district about 40 percent of the crop is feared lost.
Similarly, with more rain and possible flood inflows, local growers warn that losses could climb.
If protection embankments and drainage channels are overwhelmed.
In Punjab’s “kacha” belt, where the water table is sweet, a larger sugarcane footprint compared with previous years has also affected the micro-environment.
Growers report higher virus incidence and stressed cotton plants near cane blocks, compounding weather related setbacks.
The setbacks have revived concern that the long-awaited “best crop” may again elude Pakistan in 2025–26.
Provincial agriculture teams and ginners are preparing post-rain assessments to guide input support, pest control and replanting where feasible.
For updates on floods: Live Updates: Punjab flood situation
