Review of the cotton market in Pakistan and its future
prospects
Hussain, Malik Tassawar;Zahir, Ahsan Muhammad;
oilseeds and fats, crops and lipids2016Vol. 23pp. D606-
231
hussain2016reviewoilseeds
Abstract
Pakistan is the world’s 4th largest producer of cotton. Cultivation along the Indus River
extends across nearly 3 million hectares and serves as the backbone of the economy.
Despite this importance, information on the cotton sector in Pakistan, in particular with
regard to cotton oils, is scanty and not available from a single source. This review seeks
to remedy that gap. Though cultivated mainly for fiber, its kernel seed oil is also used
as an edible vegetable oil and accounts for a large share of the local oil industry; per
capita consumption of edible oils is nearly 14 kg, which is much higher than consumption
in countries at similar levels of economic development. Pakistan fulfills 17.7% of its
demand for edible oils through cottonseed oil. Total demand for this purpose in 2029–30 is
estimated at 5.36 million tons of which local production will be 1.98 million tons.
Genetically modified (Bt) cotton was introduced in Pakistan in 2010 to control three
deleterious lepidopterous insects; it now accounts for more than 85% of the cotton
cultivated. There is good scope for organic cotton production in Pakistan, especially in
non-traditional cotton growing areas where there is less insect pressure. High temperature
and water scarcity associated with climate change are a major concern, since current
cultivation takes place in areas that already experience extremely high temperatures.