Pakistan is the fourth largest cotton producer in the world and cotton is a mainstay of Pakistan’s economy. CABI and cotton stakeholders, under the Cotton Advocacy for Policy and Seed project, conducted an analysis of gaps in existing policies, documents, and regulatory frameworks, and suggested new policies needed to scale-up organic cotton production. The analysis focuses on Balochistan, the first province to harvest organic cotton in Pakistan.

The analysis found that farming communities are interested in producing profitable organic cotton, but need more government support in: (i) provision of an organic agriculture loan facility; (ii) increased availability of bio-inputs; and (iii) provision of an organic cotton premium. The following recommendations are made:
• A seed multiplication system should be created.
• Seed quality assurance is required to ensure that non-GMO seed is available.
• A national certification and laboratory testing system is required.
• The private sector should be engaged to help all elements of an organic cotton supply chain to emerge.
• The State Bank of Pakistan needs to create a credit facility for organic cotton farmers.
• A capacity building programme on integrated pest management and good agricultural practice for organic farmers is required.

Pakistan can benefit from growing international demand for organic cotton if concrete interventions are put in place. The government is keen to put a long-term strategy in place to increase organic cotton production, develop new high-yielding varieties, establish an organic textile supply chain, and facilitate farmers in getting good quality inputs, credit, and prices for their crops.