Sources in the Ministry of Food and Agriculture said that government may import 3.5 million bales cotton during current year to meet the domestic requirements due to low production. As compared to last year's production of 11.3 million bales, cotton production is expected to be 12.5 million bales this year, instead of the target of 13.36 million bales.

At the early stage of sowing it was expected that cotton production might exceed the set target of 13.36 million bales for 2009-10 by about 9.4%to 14.6 million bales following 0.7 million acres to 0.8 million acres increased sowing in Punjab as well as with the use of Bt seed. However, it is now thought highly unlikely that the target will be achieved. This year, cotton crop was cultivated on about 7.8 million acres against the 7 million acres cultivated last year.

Sources said that due to the multiple attacks of pests on standing crop and heavy rains last month has led to reduced estimates of cotton production as about 0.3 million acres to 0.4 million acres of cotton crop has been badly damaged.

Cotton production is mainly damaged in Punjab by about 10% to 15% and total output is expected to be around about 9.0 million bales against the estimated cotton production of 10 million bales. However, in Sindh, the estimated production of 3.5 million bales is likely to be achieved.