The early cotton sowing in current season in Pakistan registered a substantial decline of over 47 per cent as compared to the same period of the preceding year. Due to low cotton prices and unprecedented rains in the current season, wheat harvest was prolonged and a significant decline in cotton sowing was registered.

Due to the delay in cotton sowing, production would also be affected. Due to lower cotton prices, growers are being hit hard and cannot get returns for expenses. This puts off farmers from growing cotton. The initial target for cotton was set at 15.1 million bales for 2014-15. However, later the target was revised downwards three times and finally it was set at 13.48 million bales due to multiple issues including water scarcity, rains, floods, and shortage of certified seeds.

Cotton was sown on 2,05,000 acres of land in the current season across the country against 3,83,000 acres during the same period last year. Surplus cotton production was recorded last year in the international market, including Pakistan, and the same is expected for the current year. Due to surplus cotton production, there is no chance of an increase in commodity prices next year as well.