News

Conference Highlights

The conference gathered agricultural experts, policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, and farmers to discuss the future of cotton farming in Pakistan. Discussions focused on:

• Improving cotton seed quality
• Addressing climate change challenges
• Aligning with national and international policies
• Adopting regenerative agriculture and digital farming

With Pakistan’s textile industry valued at over $22 billion and employing 40% of the industrial workforce, restoring cotton productivity is vital for maintaining the country’s global textile competitiveness.

SAWIE’s Key Contributions and Insights

Dr. Yusuf Zafar, Vice President of PCCC, revealed the government’s strategy to boost cotton production in both the short and long term. International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) Advisor Dr. Eric provided a global perspective on cotton challenges.

SAWIE’s Strategy Director, Mr. Fritz Bohmler, delivered an impactful address on how smart agriculture, digital tools, and regenerative farming can drive sustainable cotton production. He emphasized that Pakistan must adopt modern technology and sustainable farming practices to restore its global position in cotton exports.

Key Strategies for Cotton Revival

From SAWIE’s perspective, Mr. Bohmler outlined strategic interventions for Pakistan’s cotton revival:

✅ Digital Farming Solutions – Farmers can leverage AI-driven digital platforms to monitor land, track weather changes, and receive real-time agronomic advice to optimize crop management.

✅ Regenerative Agriculture – Implementing soil-enhancing practices that improve fertility, water retention, and biodiversity, leading to long-term productivity gains.

✅ Climate-Resilient Cotton Varieties – Developing and promoting drought, heat, and pest-resistant cotton strains to withstand climate-induced stressors.

✅ Smart Irrigation Techniques – Encouraging water-efficient methods such as Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) to reduce water use while maintaining high yields.

✅ Farmer Training & Digital Advisory Services – Providing precision farming tools and expert recommendations to help farmers make data-driven decisions for better crop yields.

Call for Collaboration

Mr. Bohmler emphasized that collaboration between farmers, researchers, and policymakers is essential to ensuring the success of these initiatives. He urged government support and private sector investment in sustainable cotton farming to help Pakistan regain its competitive edge in the global textile market.

By embracing climate-smart, regenerative agriculture and digital innovation, Pakistan can revive its cotton sector, enhance export competitiveness, and drive sustainable economic growth in the textile industry.

Pakistan’s Cotton Industry and SAWIE’s Role in Its Sustainability

Cotton is one of Pakistan’s most vital cash crops, contributing significantly to the textile industry and the national economy. However, due to climate change, water scarcity, and outdated farming techniques, cotton production has seen a sharp decline in recent years. This has not only impacted farmers’ livelihoods but also posed challenges for the textile sector, which heavily relies on local cotton.

As a leading agricultural advisory platform, SAWIE is committed to helping farmers adopt digital solutions and smart farming techniques to improve productivity and profitability.

SAWIE’s Initiatives to Support Cotton Farmers

SAWIE has launched several initiatives to support cotton growers and revive sustainable cotton farming in Pakistan:

🔹 Farmer Advisory Services: Through its digital platform, SAWIE provides farmers with access to real-time weather forecasts, soil health insights, and crop management guidelines.

🔹 Smart Agriculture Techniques: Teaching farmers about precision farming methods, which help maximize yields while conserving resources like water and fertilizers.

🔹 Sustainable Irrigation Models: SAWIE promotes efficient water management strategies, ensuring farmers reduce water wastage while maintaining optimal crop growth.

🔹 Regenerative Farming Practices: Encouraging soil conservation techniques that enhance long-term soil health and productivity.

🔹 Capacity-Building Workshops: Organizing training programs and knowledge-sharing sessions to equip farmers with the latest agricultural innovations and best practices.