A Crisis Rooted in Seeds—and a Future in Regeneration
Pakistan’s cotton crossroads presents a unique challenge and opportunity for the future of sustainable agriculture in the region.
Once a cotton powerhouse, Pakistan now finds itself importing more cotton than it produces, with production dropping from 15 million bales to just 5 million over the last decade. Imran Asghar, a 25 year veteran of the cotton sector and co-founder of Sourcery, attributes the decline to outdated farming methods, fake seeds, and a lack of institutional support. “Farmers are following what their forefathers did,” he said. “There’s a huge knowledge gap—and no one’s bridging it.”
A Turning Point for Ethical Cotton Sourcing
However, Pakistan’s cotton industry is also at a pivotal point. With shifting global demands—especially in the denim market—and political uncertainty in neighboring Bangladesh, the spotlight is turning toward Pakistan’s growers to meet the rising need for ethically sourced materials in the U.S. and Europe. Despite heavy reliance on imports, the country has a unique advantage: over a million smallholder farmers and vast areas of uncultivated, chemical-free land.
This is what we call “untouched” land, Imran explains, referring to the 400,000–500,000 hectares that have never been exposed to synthetic inputs. The primary ownership of this land lies with the government, which typically leases it to organizations for various agricultural projects. This creates an opening for innovative farming approaches and the integration of modern techniques, precision agriculture, and irrigation systems—all of which could enhance productivity and benefit local economies.
From Crisis to Regeneration
Sustainability is increasingly influencing consumer purchasing behavior, and these virgin lands represent a significant opportunity for establishing sustainable practices in cotton farming, and Pakistan is well-positioned to emerge as a leader in ethical cotton sourcing. By investing in modern farming practices and education, the nation can bridge the knowledge gap that many farmers face and unlock the potential of its natural resources.
“Our textile industry doesn’t see cotton as its own child—but that mindset has to change”
Imran believes the solution lies in accountability and investment. He believes every textile mill with a spinning unit should take ownership of its cotton supply, following models like Uzbekistan’s. He also advocates for reforming Pakistan’s seed legislation and shifting focus toward regenerative practices, which are more achievable than organic farming in the current landscape. “Nothing is impossible,” he said. “All that’s required is dedication—and loyalty.”
