Pakistan, May 13 -- LAHORE - Cotton cultivation in Punjab has reached 2.116 million acres in the ongoing 2025-26 Kharif season, surpassing last year's figure of 1.806 million acres, according to the Ministry of National Food Security and Research.

The province aims to cultivate cotton on 3.5 million acres this year, up from a target of 3.221 million acres in 2024. So far, 60% of the new target has already been achieved, showing strong progress early in the season.

To encourage cultivation, the government has provided certified seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides. Officials say these efforts are part of a broader strategy to boost cotton output and support the local textile industry.

In North Punjab-covering Sargodha, Faisalabad, Lahore,...