Question

Compare Cotton Farming of India with Pakistan.

Answer 1

Cotton is the main commercial crop of Pakistan, with cultivation dating back to the Indus Valley civilisation.

• Geographical Distribution:
  • West Punjab and Sind provinces produce over 95% of Pakistan’s total cotton.
  • Major producing districts include Multan, Lahore, Layalpur, Shapur, Shekhupura, and Jhang in Punjab, and Hyderabad, Nawabshah, and Tharparkar in Sind.
• Area & Production:
  • Pakistan grows cotton on about 14 lakh hectares, producing around 4.5 lakh tonnes annually.
• Quality:
  • Greater importance is given to long staple superior quality American cotton.
• Trade:
  • A large quantity of cotton is exported, with India being a major buyer.

Comparison:

• Both India and Pakistan have suitable climates and soils for cotton cultivation.
• However, India has a wider geographical spread of cotton-growing areas and produces a larger quantity overall.
• Pakistan, although producing less, focuses more on long staple, high-quality cotton for export.