The MY 2007/2008 cotton production forecast is lowered 10 percent to 2.04 million MT. Consequently, the import forecast for extra long staple and medium staple cotton has been raised. Pakistan's textile sector prefers U.S. Pima and upland cotton due to the high quality.
Pakistan's MY 2007/08 cotton production is now forecast at 2.040 million metric tons (9.25 million bales of 480 lbs). This forecast is 10 percent lower than earlier estimates based on poor germination following heavy rainfall during the sowing season, late planting due to water shortage, and high temperatures in August and September resulting in shedding of fruit (bolls).
The crop was also subjected to the severe and widespread attack of two pests: cotton leaf curl virus (CLCV) and mealy bugs. Chemical spraying to control the outbreaks depressed plant activity resulting in reduced boll weight.
The sowing of illegal Bt cotton varieties has also affected the yield and quality of Pakistan's crop. It is estimated that 40 percent of the MY 2007/08 crop is illegal Bt cotton, mainly smuggled from neighboring countries. These varieties were not designed for Pakistan's agronomic conditions or industry requirements.
Pakistan's cotton consumption for MY 2007/08 is forecast at 2.736 million metric tons, (12.57 million bales of 480 lbs). The country is projected to be a net importer of cotton. The textile industry normally imports extra long staple and medium long staple contamination-free cotton from the United States.
United States Department of Agriculture
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