Cotton, once considered the “white gold” of Pakistan, held a prominent place in the agricultural economy of Kasur District, Punjab. For decades, cotton was a leading crop grown across the fertile lands of Kasur, contributing significantly to local livelihoods and the national textile industry. However, in recent years, cotton farming in Kasur has witnessed a sharp decline. This article explores the reasons behind the decline of cotton cultivation in Kasur, focusing on soil-related problems and market forces, and suggests pathways for revival or adaptation.
Historical Importance of Cotton in Kasur
Kasur’s central and southern tehsils, especially Chunian, Pattoki, and Kot Radha Kishan, were once known for large-scale cotton cultivation. Cotton played a vital role in:
- Supporting small and medium-sized farms
- Feeding local ginning mills
- Creating rural employment
- Contributing raw material to Pakistan’s textile sector
Until the early 2000s, cotton was considered a reliable cash crop due to favorable soil, canal irrigation, and consistent market demand.
Declining Trends in Cotton Cultivation
Over the past 15–20 years, cotton acreage in Kasur has steadily declined. According to local agriculture department records and farmer testimonies:
- Cotton area has reduced by over 60% in some union councils
- Many farmers have completely abandoned cotton in favor of maize or rice
- Some ginning units in Kasur have shut down due to a lack of raw cotton supply
The decline has not only affected crop diversity but also the economic structure of rural Kasur.
Soil-Related Factors Behind the Decline
1. Soil Depletion and Reduced Fertility
Cotton is a nutrient-exhaustive crop, requiring high levels of nitrogen, potassium, and micronutrients. Continuous cultivation without proper soil management has led to:
- Loss of organic matter
- Nutrient imbalance
- Decrease in soil productivity
In many cotton-growing areas of Chunian and Raja Jang, soils have become less responsive to fertilizers, and productivity has dropped sharply.
2. Waterlogging and Salinity
Areas irrigated by canals or tube wells are now experiencing rising salinity and waterlogging, especially in parts of Pattoki and Khudian. These conditions adversely affect cotton root development and fiber quality.
Saline patches and sodic soils are unsuitable for cotton, forcing farmers to opt for more tolerant crops like rice or fodder.
3. Soil Compaction
Heavy mechanized farming without rotation or organic input has led to soil compaction, reducing aeration and root penetration. This issue is prevalent in intensive cotton-growing zones of Kasur where land was overutilized without restorative practices.
Climate and Pest-Related Pressures
While soil problems are critical, they are compounded by external factors such as:
1. Bollworm and Whitefly Infestation
Cotton in Kasur has been severely hit by bollworms, mealybugs, and whiteflies, especially after the rise of Bt cotton. Pesticide resistance, climate change, and lack of integrated pest management have worsened the issue.
Many farmers suffered back-to-back losses, leading to distrust in cotton as a dependable crop.
2. Unpredictable Rainfall and Heat Stress
Sudden rainfall or extreme heat during the flowering stage damages cotton yield and lint quality. Kasur’s changing climate has added to the uncertainty around cotton farming.
Market and Economic Disincentives
1. Poor Pricing and Market Fluctuation
Cotton prices in Kasur are unstable and poorly regulated. Many farmers complain about:
- Delayed payments by ginners
- Fluctuating rates
- Lack of government procurement at support prices
In comparison, maize and rice offer better margins with quicker market access.
2. Increased Cost of Production
The high cost of fertilizers, pesticides, BT seeds, and irrigation makes cotton an expensive crop to cultivate. Farmers with small landholdings find it increasingly unviable.
3. Lack of Extension Support
There is a visible decline in agricultural advisory services, pest monitoring, and soil testing support specific to cotton. Many farmers say they have not received updated guidance for managing evolving threats.
Shift in Cropping Patterns
Due to the above challenges, farmers are rapidly switching to:
- Maize, which offers two crops per year and requires fewer inputs
- Basmati rice, favored in areas with abundant water
- Vegetables, for higher short-term profits in local markets
This shift has increased agricultural diversity, but also altered Kasur’s traditional cropping identity.
Pathways to Reviving Cotton or Moving Forward
While many experts believe that cotton in Kasur may never return to its former glory, certain measures can help farmers either revive or replace it strategically:
1. Soil Health Restoration
- Promote green manuring and crop rotation
- Encourage compost and organic inputs
- Subsidize gypsum and bio-remediation in saline areas
2. Research and Innovation
- Introduce drought and pest-resistant cotton varieties
- Promote biological pest control
- Invest in precision farming tools for soil monitoring
3. Policy Support
- Ensure minimum support price for cotton
- Strengthen extension services and pest surveillance
- Launch awareness campaigns on soil testing and fertility management
4. Alternate Crop Guidance
If revival is not feasible in certain areas, help farmers shift wisely to alternate crops based on soil suitability and market demand.
The decline of cotton farming in Kasur is a result of both soil-related degradation and unfavorable market forces. From nutrient depletion and salinity to pest infestation and economic loss, the challenges are multi-layered. However, with appropriate interventions focused on soil restoration, education, and crop planning, the region can either revive cotton in selected pockets or transition to more sustainable alternatives.