China, Pakistan partner to boost cotton yields through tech amid declining production

China and Pakistan have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to boost cotton production through advanced technologies. The agreement, inked between Pakistan’s Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI) and China’s Institute of Cotton Research (ICR), aims to genetically improve cotton varieties and promote the country’s cotton industry on a global scale.

Cotton plays a vital role in Pakistan’s economy, contributing 0.8 per cent to GDP and 51 per cent to total foreign exchange earnings. The country ranks fifth in global cotton production and third in cotton yarn output. Its textile sector is supported by over 1,000 ginning factories and 400 textile mills.

The collaboration comes at a critical time, as cotton output has fallen in Pakistan. By January this year, Pakistan’s factories received just 5.51 million bales a 34 per cent drop from last year. Punjab, the largest cotton-producing province, saw a steep 36 per cent decline, harvesting only 2.7 million bales.

Experts attribute the sharp fall to climate-induced erratic weather patterns. Established in 1962, AARI leads crop research in Pakistan, while ICR, China’s top cotton research body, specializes in scientific innovation to address challenges in cotton production.