Pakistan missed crop production target by around 30 per cent in 2015-16. In the crop season 2016-17, the cotton sowing target has been missed by a margin of 15 per cent. Cotton sowing also declined due to lower prices of cotton nationally and internationally during the last three years that discouraged growers who opted to cultivate maize, sugarcane and rice crops in some districts due to their better market returns. There is still uncertainty as ups and downs are being observed in cotton prices due to which growers are reluctant to sow the cotton crop. Up to 50 per cent certified cotton seed is available in the market and growers faced difficulties in getting certified seeds, hence affecting the sowing target.

Cotton sowing targets in Punjab was missed by 20 per cent, while Sindh has surpassed the target by about two per cent, which resulted in an average shortfall of 15 per cent in crop sowing. Sugarcane crop has overtaken cotton rich areas of some provinces.

Due to uncertainty in cotton prices, sugarcane cultivation increased in cotton areas and shortage of certified seed, a significant decline in cotton sowing was registered. The cotton production target as well as area has been revised downward for the 2016-17 season.