Pakistan’s cotton production has experienced a sharp decline in recent years, with 2024 figures showing a staggering 33.27% drop compared to the previous year. The Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA) reported that by December 31, 2024, cotton arrivals totaled only 5.45 million bales, down from 8.17 million bales in 2023.
In response to this worrying trend, the Pakistan Textile Council (PTC) and the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at advancing sustainable cotton production across the country.
This strategic collaboration seeks to embed the Better Cotton Standard System (BCSS) into Pakistan’s cotton supply chain, spanning all stages from farm to fashion. The partnership will promote the adoption of sustainable practices, enhance traceability, and improve compliance with both national and international trade regulations, positioning Pakistan as a key player in the global sustainable cotton market.
The initiative focuses on raising awareness and educating key stakeholders, including farmers, traders, exporters, and government officials. The collaboration plans to organize workshops and training sessions to ensure the successful implementation of the BCSS, which is designed to meet rigorous environmental and social standards. Additionally, the MoU outlines efforts to boost market access for Pakistani cotton, both domestically and internationally, by participating in trade missions and global expos.
The partnership also aims to strengthen Pakistan’s adherence to international agreements such as the European Union Green Deal and the GSP+ trade preferences, which emphasize sustainability and ethical production practices. A key objective of the MoU is to connect Pakistani cotton producers with international buyers seeking sustainably sourced materials, thereby expanding the reach of Better Cotton in global markets.
Fawad Anwar, Chairman of the Pakistan Textile Council, highlighted the importance of the agreement in ensuring the long-term success of the cotton sector: “This MoU represents a pivotal step towards sustainable growth for Pakistan’s textile sector. By integrating the Better Cotton Standard System nationally, we aim to enhance the quality and competitiveness of our cotton in the global market. This partnership will empower our farmers with the necessary tools and knowledge to adopt sustainable practices, ensuring the long-term viability of our cotton industry.”
He added, “The global textile industry is increasingly prioritizing sustainability. Through this partnership, we are not only aligning with international standards but also positioning Pakistan as a leader in sustainable cotton production. This initiative will open new avenues for trade and strengthen our economy.”
This MoU represents a shared commitment to innovation and sustainability within the textile industry, ensuring that Pakistan’s cotton sector can meet the growing global demand for responsibly produced materials. It also promises to strengthen Pakistan’s economy by creating new trade opportunities and fostering sustainable growth in the cotton industry.
Pakistan ranks as the world’s sixth-largest cotton producer and boasts the third-largest cotton spinning capacity in Asia. The country is home to thousands of ginning and spinning units that turn cotton into a variety of textile products.
Founded in 2009, the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) is the largest sustainability program for cotton globally. Launched in Pakistan in 2009, BCI has played a pivotal role in supporting the country’s evolving cotton industry. The program aims to promote sustainable cotton cultivation while enhancing the livelihoods of approximately 1.5 million smallholder farmers who rely on cotton as their primary source of income.
BCI’s partners in Pakistan include:
- The Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International Pakistan
- The Central Cotton Research Institute
- Rural Business Development Center (RBDC)
- Rural Education and Economic Development Society Pakistan
- Sangtani Women Rural Development Organization
- WWF Pakistan
Through collaboration with these partners, BCI works to uplift farming communities by improving their social, environmental, and economic conditions. By promoting sustainable farming practices, BCI has helped farmers achieve better yields, safer working environments, and greater financial stability. Currently, 2.13 million farmers across 22 countries are licensed to sell their cotton as Better Cotton. The initiative has positively impacted nearly 4 million people connected to cotton production worldwide.