Pakistan: Cotton Update
Pakistan’s 2015/16 cotton production is forecast at 9.2 million 480 lb bales, down 800,000 from the previous estimate, and the lowest level since 2010. Insect damage and Cotton Leaf Curl Virus appear to be heavier than usual as farmers have reduced inputs in an effort to reduce costs in the face of lower cotton prices. Farmers are also expected to reduce the number of pickings as a result of lower prices. Cotton imports are expected to more than double to 2.3 million bales to offset the reduced supply of domestic cotton.
