PAKISTAN’S ginning sector is passing through a critical phase due to a sharp decline in cotton production, outdated technology, rising production costs and an unstable marl(et. The recent hike in cotton prices hasfurtherincreased the burden on the textile industry, whileginning factories are struggling to survive.
As a result, many factories have reduced their workforce, cut down staff salaries, leaving thousands of families under financial stress.
At the same time, cotton farmers are already facing immense difficulties. The costs ofseeds,fertilisers,pesticides, electricity and other agriculturalinputs have risen significantly, making cottoncultivation less profitable. This discourages our farmers from growing cotton, and further weakens the entire supply chain.
Ultimately, the impact of all these challenges would not remain confined to farmers or industrialists. The common people will bear the greatest burden through higher prices of textile products, reduced employment opportunities, and slower economic growth.
The federal government must take this key issue seriously and introduce timely measures to revive cotton production, support farmers and modernise the ginning industry. Immediate policy interventions are essentialto preventfurther deterioration and to ensure sustainable growth of the country’s critical textile sector.
Ahsan Ul Haq Shaikh Chunian