Pakistan Lowers Cotton Output Estimate

By Jim.Robinson|October 15, 2009

Pakistan farm minister Nazar Mohammed Gondal estimates that this season’s cotton crop output will be 12 million bales. That is down about 10 percent from an earlier estimate of 13.3 million bales. Officials say imports may now need to increase to satisfy the country’s domestic demand of 14 to 16 million bales per year.

Pest and virus attacks in several regions of the country account for the reduced output. Cotton leaf curl virus has been cited as a particular problem this year.

Multan, Khanewal, Bhawalpur and Rahim Yar Khan in southern Punjab — areas that traditionally produce about 70% of the province’s output — were the hardest hit. Overall, output in Punjab fell between 10 and 15 percent due to pests, viruses and hot weather.

Pakistan’s other major cotton growing area, Sindh, exceeded output expectations with a crop of about 3.5 million bales — up from the 3.1 million bales grown a year ago.