LAHORE: Cotton arrivals at ginning factories across Pakistan surged by 77.30 percent this season, reaching 527,900 bales by July 15 compared with 297,751 bales during the same period last year, though experts warn that adverse weather and rising input costs could undermine the crop’s overall production potential.
According to a Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA) report released on July 18, 2026, Sindh recorded the sharpest growth, with arrivals rising 113.82 percent to 326,403 bales, led by Sanghar district. Punjab posted a 38.87 percent increase to 201,497 bales, with Vehari, Dera Ghazi Khan and Khanewal among the top producers, while Balochistan’s arrivals rose 90.20 percent to 9,700 bales.
Sajid Mahmood, Head of the Transfer of Technology Department at the Central Cotton Research Institute (CCRI), Multan, told Business Recorder that crop growth in southern Punjab has stalled following recent rains, while soaring DAP fertilizer prices and intense heat have triggered fruit shedding, raising fears of yield losses. He said the average boll weight stands at 2.75 grams, adding that unsold stocks at ginning factories have nearly doubled to 82,121 bales, signalling slower purchasing by textile mills despite the higher arrivals.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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