LAHORE: The cotton crop is facing significant challenges due to severe water shortages in dams and the unavailability of certified seeds.

This situation has cast doubts on the prospects of the new crop, causing a slowdown in the cotton trade.

Farmers’ organisations are calling for the government to prioritise water supply to existing cultivated lands to stabilise the agricultural economy instead of focusing on developing new lands.

The country’s two major dams have almost run out of water, leading to a shortage of canal water in several districts of Sindh, including Sanghar, Mirpur Khas, Umerkot, Tando Allahyar, Matiari and Badin.

Mangla Dam hit the dead level of 1,050ft on March 15, while the Tarbela was only a foot above the dead level of 1,402ft on March 18.

Urge govt to lower........

© Dawn Business