Punjab’s cotton sector has shown encouraging signs ahead of the peak sowing season, with Bahawalpur division achieving about 80% of its cultivation target as authorities expressed optimism over stable international prices and improved local market conditions.

The development came during a high?level review meeting chaired by Secretary Agriculture Punjab Iftikhar Ali Sahoo in Bahawalpur on Tuesday, where officials reviewed the progress of cotton sowing and crop conditions across the division, considered the backbone of Punjab’s cotton belt.

Officials informed the meeting that Bahawalpur division had set a target to cultivate cotton on 1.695 million acres during the ongoing season, while the crop condition remained satisfactory in most areas. The division, comprising Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar and Rahim Yar Khan districts, contributes a major share to Punjab’s overall cotton output.

Addressing the meeting, Sahoo said more than 50% of Punjab’s total cotton cultivation target would be achieved from Bahawalpur division alone, reflecting the strategic importance of South Punjab in reviving the country’s cotton economy.

Pakistan’s cotton sector has remained under pressure in recent years due to erratic weather patterns, water shortages, pest attacks and shifting farmer preference towards other crops such as sugarcane and maize. According to official estimates, the country’s cotton production had dropped significantly from historical highs of over 14 million bales to nearly 5 million bales in some recent seasons, forcing the textile industry to rely heavily on imports.

However, officials believe the current season could bring relative stability as international cotton prices remain supportive and domestic market sentiment improves. Sahoo noted that seed cotton prices in local markets had already crossed Rs11,000 per maund, which he said was an encouraging signal for growers.

He added that the government was ensuring the availability of fertilisers and quality pesticides at prescribed rates while canal water supplies in cotton?growing regions were also being monitored to support the crop during critical stages.

The secretary stressed that achieving production targets required active coordination among all stakeholders, including farmers, irrigation officials and field formations of the agriculture department. He directed officials to ensure 100% achievement of cotton sowing targets by May 31 and accelerate crop management activities in the coming weeks. Later, the secretary visited the Model Agriculture Mall in Bahawalpur and reviewed facilities being provided to farmers, directing officials to further improve service delivery for the farming community.