Regenerative farming key to Pakistan’s cotton revival

February 4, 2026 (MLN): Regenerative agriculture has been identified as a key pathway for stabilising Pakistan’s cotton sector and sustaining export competitiveness amid climate and market pressures.

Policymakers and industry stakeholders examined ways to align cotton production with global sustainability requirements, according to the press release. 

The emphasis came during a sector-focused roundtable convened in Islamabad by the Pakistan Central Cotton Committee (PCCC) in collaboration with the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA).

Challenges facing cotton production and the textile value chain were reviewed against rising international standards on traceability and responsible sourcing.

Cotton remains one of Pakistan’s most important cash crops, supporting millions of rural livelihoods and feeding an export-oriented textile industry that accounts for more than half of the country’s export earnings.

However, production has faced recurring setbacks in recent years due to climate variability, water stress, pest attacks, and declining soil health, contributing to lower yields and increased reliance on imported cotton.

Addressing the forum as chief guest, Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain said regenerative agricultural practices were increasingly becoming a prerequisite for market access rather than a voluntary choice.

He noted this shift is driven particularly by global buyers placing greater emphasis on environmental sustainability, soil restoration, and transparent supply chains.

He said the government was working on agricultural reforms and support mechanisms, including financial assistance, incentives, and targeted subsidies, to ease the transition for farmers and improve productivity across the cotton belt.

Coordination with APTMA is also underway to strengthen sustainability compliance across the cotton and textile value chain, he added.

The minister noted that international markets are increasingly shaped by environmental benchmarks and traceability requirements, warning that countries failing to adapt risk losing competitiveness.

Aligning production systems with these standards, he said, could help Pakistan safeguard textile exports, attract investment, and improve farmer incomes.

Public-private collaboration was highlighted as essential for achieving measurable outcomes, particularly in restoring soil fertility, improving water efficiency, and meeting the evolving sustainability expectations of global brands.

The roundtable concluded with a call for translating policy alignment and industry engagement into practical on-ground initiatives to support long-term resilience in Pakistan’s cotton sector and reinforce the country’s position in global textile markets.

Copyright Mettis Link News