Pakistan's 2008/09 cotton production is estimated at 9.4 million bales, up 0.4 million or 4 percent from last month, and up 0.5 million or 6 percent from last year. Area is forecast at 2.9 million hectares, unchanged from last month, but down 0.1 million from last year. Yield is forecast at 706 kg/ha, up 4 percent from last month and above the 5-year average. Harvesting continues to progress very well, facilitated by mild, dry weather conditions. As of December 1, 2008/09, arrivals were 15 percent ahead of last year. According to Pakistan Cotton Ginning Association’s arrival and ginning data, 6.5 million bales have arrived thus far compared to 5.7 million by the same time last year. This is 0.8 million bales more than last season. Analysis of historical arrival and ginning data (1999 – 2007) indicates that cumulative arrivals through December 1 represent 65 to 70 percent of the total crop. According to a U.S. agricultural attaché report, this season’s favorable yield factors included early sowing and reduced pest pressure. Cotton farmers in the largest producing state of Punjab planted earlier than normal. Relatively dry weather conditions suppressed insect reproduction resulting in marginal pest infestations that were easily controlled through pesticide applications. (For more information, please contact Dath Mita at 202-720-1071.)
Source: USDA