A RECENT REVIEW ON COTTON AND CLIMATE CHANGE IN PAKISTAN: IMPACTS, MITIGATION, AND ADAPTATION

Abstract

Background: Cotton (Gossypium spp.), a key member of the Malvaceae family, is one of Pakistan’s most important cash crops, often referred to as "white gold" due to its significant contribution to the national economy and rural livelihoods. However, the sustainability of cotton production is increasingly threatened by the effects of climate change, including altered temperature patterns, irregular rainfall, pest outbreaks, glacial melting, and extreme weather events such as the catastrophic floods of 2010 and 2022.

Objective: This narrative review aims to explore the impact of climate change on cotton production in Pakistan and to examine mitigation and adaptation strategies that can enhance the crop's resilience under changing climatic conditions.

Main Discussion Points:  The review discusses the various climate-induced stressors affecting cotton yields, such as heatwaves, drought, unpredictable monsoons, pest invasions, and soil degradation. It highlights the vulnerability of small-scale, rain-fed cotton farmers and underscores the urgent need for adaptive interventions. Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) is presented as a robust approach, encompassing water-smart practices (e.g., micro-irrigation, rainwater harvesting), weather-smart tools (e.g., agro-met advisories, stress-tolerant varieties), nutrient-smart inputs (e.g., precision fertilizers, IPM), and carbon-efficient methods (e.g., zero tillage, crop rotation), alongside institutional and educational supports.

Conclusion: Integrating CSA strategies into cotton farming practices presents a promising pathway to mitigate climate-related risks. However, broader adoption requires institutional support, farmer education, and further research to develop scalable, region-specific solutions.