PKI warns of cotton crisis threatening Pakistan's economy

Pakistan Kissan Ittehad (PKI) has sounded the alarm over the rapid decline of the country's cotton crop, warning of severe consequences for the textile industry and broader economy. During a press conference at the Lahore Press Club on World Cotton Day, PKI President Khokhar Khokhar highlighted that cotton production is plummeting due to government neglect and the dismantling of state-run cotton research centers.

Khokhar emphasized that cotton is the backbone of Pakistan's industrial export sector, but it is now 'wilting' across the nation. Reports from Faisalabad reveal that nearly half of textile units have shut down due to raw material shortages and rising production costs. He criticized official policies, stating that industrial survival hinges on a robust domestic cotton harvest.

Turning to the dairy sector, Khokhar condemned administrative price-fixing, arguing that Deputy Commissioners set milk rates without considering farmers' rising costs. He called for structural economic reforms instead of temporary subsidies. Khokhar urged the government to set the wheat support price at Rs5,000 per maund to boost production and avoid a potential food crisis.