The Sugarcane Expansion in Cotton Zones 2025 has become one of the biggest concerns for Pakistan’s agricultural experts, farmers, and policymakers. What once seemed like a small shift in cropping patterns has now turned into a massive transformation that is reshaping Punjab’s southern belt—especially Rahim Yar Khan and its surrounding areas. Once famous for record-breaking cotton production, the region is now dominated by sugarcane, new sugar mills, and increasing pressure on water and soil resources.

For decades, Rahim Yar Khan was known as the heart of Pakistan’s cotton belt. But by 2025, almost 40% of Pakistan’s sugar-milling capacity has moved into this very district and its border areas. Experts warn that this change is contributing to the Punjab agriculture crisis, causing water depletion, rising water tables, and long-term soil degradation. Farmers who once relied on cotton as their primary crop are shifting to sugarcane because of the influence of powerful industrial groups and the profit guarantees offered by sugar mills.

This transformation is not just an agricultural issue—it is turning into an economic and environmental challenge for Pakistan.

How the Sugarcane Expansion in Cotton Zones 2025 Began

The shift did not happen overnight. Over the past decade, several factors pushed farmers away from cotton. Pest attacks, weak seed varieties, lack of government support, and unstable cotton prices reduced farmer confidence. Meanwhile, sugarcane offered higher yields, easier market access, and guaranteed buyers in the form of nearby mills.

Large industrial groups gradually set up sugar mills expansion in Rahim Yar Khan, even though the district was officially designated as a cotton zone. Violations of crop-zoning rules became common, and powerful mills began increasing their crushing capacities. With each new mill and every expansion plan, sugarcane cultivation expanded further.

Today, Rahim Yar Khan hosts six major sugar mills with a crushing capacity of 135,000 tonnes per day, the highest for any district in Pakistan. One of these mills is adding another 10,000 tonnes to its daily capacity this year. When industries grow at this pace, farmers naturally grow the crop that brings them consistent profit.

But while sugarcane grows, cotton continues to disappear.

Also Check: Punjab Sugar Mills Crushing 2025 Begins as Govt Cracks Down on Delays

Impact on Cotton – A Decline Pakistan Can’t Ignore

Pakistan once ranked among the world’s top cotton-producing countries. In 2014–15, the country produced around 15 million bales, with Punjab contributing 11 million. Cotton fed Pakistan’s textile industry, supported exports, and provided income to millions of farmers.

But by Pakistan cotton output 2025, production collapsed to barely 5.5 million bales—a drop of almost 65% in a decade.

Experts link this decline directly to the rise of sugarcane. As sugar mills become more influential, farmers find cotton less attractive and switch crops. The consequences for Pakistan’s textile industry are already visible:

• Mills now import expensive cotton
• Local cotton quality is declining due to pollution from mills
• Textile export competitiveness is weakening

This loss of cotton not only affects rural incomes but also impacts Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves.

Environmental Impact: Water Depletion & Soil Damage

The most alarming downside of this change is the immense pressure on natural resources. Sugarcane is a water-intensive crop, and the massive increase in cultivation is causing severe water depletion in Punjab farms.

Experts report the following problems:

1. Groundwater levels dropping

Millions of acre-feet of water are consumed annually, with much of it wasted through inefficient flood irrigation systems.

2. Rising water tables

In some areas, continual sugarcane irrigation is causing waterlogging, which damages soil and reduces crop productivity.

3. Soil degradation due to sugarcane

Sugarcane draws heavy nutrients from the soil. Without proper rotation and soil management, land gradually becomes less fertile.

4. Irrigation system strain

Punjab’s irrigation canals are under extreme pressure as sugarcane requires more water than cotton.

Experts warn that these environmental changes could render large parts of the cotton belt unsuitable for farming in the future.

Also Check: Government Update: Sindh Wheat Support Program Receives 320,000 Farmer Applications

Border Belt: New Sugar Mills Changing Regional Dynamics

When Punjab refused to permit more mills inside Rahim Yar Khan, industrial groups simply moved across the border into Sindh. There, they established new units with capacities of 16,000 and 19,000 tonnes per day. A major Sindh-based political family already operates a mill there, and another influential group is relocating a huge mill from interior Sindh to the same region.

Once operational, these mills will further encourage farmers to abandon cotton in favour of sugarcane.

This trend shows how crop-zoning rules are being bypassed by setting up mills strategically along the borders.

Sindh Overtaking Punjab in Cotton: A Historic Shift

For the first time in Pakistan’s history, Sindh outperformed Punjab in cotton production during the 2024–25 season:

• Sindh: 2.8 million bales
• Punjab: 2.7 million bales

This shift is shocking because Punjab cultivated cotton on 1.4 million hectares, more than double Sindh’s 630,000 hectares. Yet Sindh’s cotton performance was better because it faced fewer zoning violations and had less sugarcane interference.

The decline of cotton in Punjab reflects how serious the cotton production decline in Pakistan has become.

Voices of Experts: A Worrying Future

The Cotton Ginners Forum and agricultural experts warn that:

• Cotton output may fall even further
• Farmers will become dependent on a single crop
• Textile industries will face costly imports
• Water, soil, and environment will degrade faster

If the trend continues, Pakistan may permanently lose its cotton identity.

FAQs About Sugarcane Expansion in Cotton Zones 2025

Conclusion

The Sugarcane Expansion in Cotton Zones 2025 is more than a cropping change—it is reshaping Pakistan’s agriculture, economy, and environment. As sugar mills spread and farmers shift away from cotton, Punjab’s historic cotton belt is weakening. This trend brings short-term profit but long-term risks for water resources, soil health, and Pakistan’s textile sector.

If the government does not enforce zoning laws and restore balance between sugarcane and cotton, the region may face irreversible agricultural damage. Protecting Punjab’s cotton lands is now essential for the country’s economic and environmental stability.