Sustainable Cotton Farming in Mirpurkhas

Cotton, often referred to as "white gold," is one of Pakistan’s most significant cash crops. It plays a crucial role in the economy, contributing to employment, exports, and the livelihoods of millions. However, despite its economic importance, cotton farming in Pakistan—especially in Sindh’s district Mirpurkhas—faces a range of challenges that threaten its sustainability and profitability. Issues such as climate change, rising input costs, water shortages, pest infestations, and limited mechanization are hindering optimal productivity. While cotton farming remains profitable, the constraints faced by farmers necessitate urgent policy interventions, modernized agricultural techniques, and institutional support to sustain and improve yields.

Pakistan is one of the world's largest producers of cotton, ranking fourth globally. Cotton contributes around 4.5% to the national GDP and approximately 23.6% to the value added in agriculture. The textile industry, which heavily depends on cotton, constitutes over 60% of the country’s total exports and employs millions of people across the value chain, from farming to garment production.

District Mirpurkhas, located in the southeastern region of Sindh, is one of the province’s key cotton-producing areas. With a largely agrarian economy, a significant proportion of the district’s farmers depend on cotton for their livelihoods. However, they are facing an uphill battle against multiple challenges that threaten their income and sustainability.

Cotton Production and Economic Viability

A recent study on cotton production in Mirpurkhas reveals that the average cotton yield stands at 24 maunds per acre, generating a total revenue of Rs. 149,712 per acre, given the market price of Rs. 6,238 per maund. However, the total cost of production per acre amounts to Rs. 80,170, resulting in a net income of Rs. 69,542. These figures suggest that cotton farming remains a profitable venture, reflected in the benefit-cost ratio of 1:1.87. Despite this profitability, farmers face increasing financial strain due to rising input costs, labor shortages, and market fluctuations.

The high cost of production inputs—including fertilizers, pesticides, and quality seeds—has significantly eroded farmers' profit margins. In recent years, the prices of these essential inputs have surged, making it difficult for smallholder farmers to sustain their operations. Additionally, labor shortages pose another major challenge, as the migration of workers to urban centers and increased wages have driven up production costs.

Another significant concern is water availability. Mirpurkhas, like many other cotton-growing regions in Pakistan, experiences irregular irrigation supplies and declining groundwater levels, both of which impact crop yields. Furthermore, climate change-induced weather patterns, such as unseasonal rains, droughts, and heatwaves, continue to disrupt production cycles, leading to lower-than-expected yields.

Market volatility also plays a crucial role in determining profitability. While cotton prices remain relatively high, sudden price drops due to global supply-demand dynamics or fluctuating government policies on subsidies and import/export restrictions often leave farmers vulnerable to financial instability.

To ensure long-term sustainability, cotton farmers in Mirpurkhas require better access to affordable inputs, efficient irrigation systems, climate-resilient farming techniques, and stable market policies. Addressing these challenges through targeted agricultural policies, subsidies, and technological advancements could help secure the future of cotton farming in the region.

Major Constraints in Cotton Farming

The study identified several key constraints affecting cotton growers in Mirpurkhas, which have significantly impacted productivity and profitability in the region.

One of the most pressing challenges for cotton farmers in Mirpurkhas is climate change, which has led to unpredictable weather patterns, extreme heat, and inconsistent rainfall. In the 2023 cotton season, temperatures rose by 7–10°C during critical growth stages, resulting in heat stress, reduced flowering, and lower yields. Water scarcity further exacerbates the issue. The Sindh canal irrigation system, which supplies most cotton farms, has become increasingly unreliable due to low water availability and mismanagement. As a result, many farmers resort to using tube wells, significantly raising production costs and groundwater depletion risks.

The rising cost of agricultural inputs has made cotton farming less profitable for smallholder farmers. Over the last five years, fertilizer prices have increased by over 30%, while pesticide and seed costs have also surged. The high price of certified cotton seeds, which are resistant to pests and diseases, prevents many farmers from accessing improved seed varieties. Without affordable inputs, maintaining productivity becomes increasingly difficult.

Cotton farmers in Mirpurkhas face persistent pest infestations that threaten yields and force higher pesticide usage. Pink bollworm, whitefly, and thrips are among the most common pests that devastate cotton fields, reducing fiber quality and quantity. Farmers have become heavily dependent on chemical pesticides, which not only increase production costs but also pose risks to human health and soil fertility. Another major concern is Cotton Leaf Curl Disease (CLCuD), which has caused severe yield losses and remains a challenge due to the lack of widespread resistant seed varieties.

Despite technological advancements in global cotton production, most farmers in Mirpurkhas rely on traditional farming methods. Manual harvesting remains widespread, contributing to high labor costs and inefficiencies. Labor shortages during peak harvesting periods have worsened as many rural workers migrate to urban areas in search of higher wages. Furthermore, the limited availability of mechanized cotton pickers and precision irrigation systems hampers productivity, keeping farm operations dependent on time-consuming manual labor.

Farmers in Mirpurkhas receive insufficient institutional support in the form of subsidies, credit facilities, and training programs. Smallholder farmers often struggle to access formal credit, forcing them to rely on informal lenders who charge excessive interest rates. Additionally, agricultural extension services remain underdeveloped, leaving many farmers without guidance on modern, cost-effective, and climate-smart farming techniques. Without targeted government interventions and financial assistance, cotton growers in the region will continue to face difficulties in maintaining profitability and sustainability.

Potential Solutions and Policy Recommendations

To sustain and enhance cotton production in Mirpurkhas, urgent measures must be taken across farm-level improvements, technological advancements, and policy interventions.

Developing and promoting climate-resilient cotton varieties is crucial for mitigating the adverse effects of rising temperatures and water scarcity. Research institutions and agricultural departments should collaborate to introduce heat- and drought-tolerant cotton seeds. Additionally, these high-yielding varieties should be made accessible and affordable to smallholder farmers through seed distribution programs and subsidies.

With increasing water shortages, the adoption of efficient irrigation systems such as drip irrigation and laser land leveling can optimize water use and enhance productivity. Government initiatives should ensure timely canal water supply, reducing reliance on costly tube wells. Rainwater harvesting systems can also be introduced to store excess water during the monsoon season, providing an additional source of irrigation during dry spells.

The rising cost of fertilizers, pesticides, and quality seeds is a major burden on cotton farmers. Government subsidies and price stabilization policies should be implemented to make essential inputs more affordable. Providing farmers with discounted or subsidized inputs through cooperative purchasing programs can help reduce production costs and enhance profitability.

Cotton farmers in Mirpurkhas face persistent pest infestations, which lower yields and increase pesticide dependency. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques should be promoted to reduce chemical pesticide reliance. This includes biological control methods, such as using pest-resistant cotton varieties, natural predators, and pheromone traps. Training farmers in pest scouting and timely intervention can further enhance pest control efficiency.

With labor shortages posing a challenge during peak harvesting seasons, mechanized cotton farming should be promoted. Low-interest financing and subsidies should be provided to farmers for purchasing cotton pickers, irrigation tools, and other mechanized equipment. Access to shared rental services for farm machinery can also help smallholder farmers increase efficiency while reducing labor costs.

Easier access to credit and financing is essential for cotton farmers to invest in improved inputs and mechanization. The government should collaborate with financial institutions to offer low-interest loans, crop insurance, and flexible repayment options for cotton growers. Strengthening agricultural extension services is equally important to provide timely guidance on climate-smart farming practices, pest control, and financial literacy. Expanding digital advisory platforms and farmer training programs can further enhance productivity and resilience.

Conclusion

Cotton farming in Mirpurkhas remains a vital economic activity, yet it is at a crossroads. The challenges faced by farmers, from climate change to financial constraints, require comprehensive and sustained interventions at both the policy and farm levels. While cotton farming continues to be profitable, ensuring its long-term sustainability will require significant investment in technology, infrastructure, and institutional support.

The government, research institutions, and private sector stakeholders must work together to develop climate-smart solutions, improve access to resources, and promote sustainable agricultural practices. With the right strategies in place, cotton farming in Mirpurkhas can continue to thrive, ensuring the livelihoods of thousands of farmers while contributing to Pakistan’s broader economic and export goals.

By addressing these key challenges, the region has the potential to not only sustain cotton farming but also enhance productivity and improve the economic well-being of farmers. If Pakistan wants to maintain its status as a leading cotton-producing country, urgent action must be taken now to safeguard the future of this vital industry.

Please note that the views expressed in this article are of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of any organization.

The author is affiliated with the Faculty of Social Sciences, Sindh Agricultrue University Tando Jam, Sindh, Pakistan and can be reached at noondaniaziz786@gmail.com 

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