Cotton Production Drops Sharply India, Pakistan Amid Pest Resistance, Climate Impacts

Cotton production is facing significant challenges globally, with India and Pakistan experiencing steep declines due to pest issues, climate variability, and economic factors making cotton less attractive compared to other crops. In India, Bt cotton's failure against pests like pink bollworm and the impact of irregular monsoons have decreased cotton acreage and production, compounded by price volatility and rising input costs. Similarly, Pakistan's cotton production has plummeted by 65 percent over two years, with regions like Sindh and Balochistan suffering sharp declines, while sugarcane cultivation has increasingly displaced cotton in areas such as Rahim Yar Khan. In the United States, Texas cotton farmers confront competition from synthetic fibers popularized by fast fashion, which are cheaper but raise environmental concerns due to microplastic pollution. Industry experts note a global shift towards sustainability and alternative fibers like bamboo, hemp, and recycled cotton, with pure cotton now constituting less than 30 percent of textile fiber usage, although premium consumers still prefer cotton. Despite these pressures, India's cotton-based apparel exports continue to hold a significant market share, suggesting continued demand in certain segments.