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Reducing pesticide dependency while improving cotton yields

In Kalo Wala, Punjab, Pakistan, cotton farmer Fiyaz Hussain faced rising production costs, declining soil health, and increasing pest resistance caused by years of heavy pesticide use. Repeated chemical spraying had become less effective over time, while exposure to pesticides also began affecting the health and wellbeing of his family.

Through the REEL Regenerative On-Demand Programme, implemented by Caritas Pakistan and CottonConnect in 2025, Fiyaz adopted Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices that significantly reduced chemical dependency while improving productivity and restoring biodiversity within his fields.

Key outcomes

  • %

    reduction in pesticide use

  • %

    reduction in production costs

  • %

    increase in cotton yield

The challenge

For many years, pesticide use had become central to cotton cultivation in Fiyaz’s community. Initially, chemical applications helped control pests effectively, but over time pests developed resistance, forcing farmers to spray more frequently and in higher doses. This created a cycle of rising costs and declining returns. Soil quality deteriorated, beneficial insects disappeared, and cotton yields stagnated. By 2024, Fiyaz’s yields had dropped to approximately 1,200 kg per acre, while production costs continued to increase. Beyond the financial pressure, continuous chemical exposure also created serious personal concerns, including headaches, breathing difficulties, and skin irritation for both Fiyaz and his family. Recognising that existing farming practices were becoming unsustainable, he began looking for alternative approaches to pest management.

The approach

As part of the REEL Regenerative On-Demand Programme, Fiyaz received training on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques designed to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides while strengthening natural ecosystem balance.

The training introduced:

  • Agro-Ecosystem Analysis (AESA)
  • Pest monitoring techniques
  • Need-based spraying approaches
  • Non-chemical pest management tools

 

Rather than following a fixed spraying schedule, Fiyaz learned to assess pest activity and only intervene when necessary. To support this transition, he installed:

  • 20 yellow sticky traps per acre
  • 10 pheromone traps per acre


These traps provided real-time insights into pest populations, helping identify when intervention was genuinely required while encouraging the return of beneficial insects that naturally control pests.

By 2024, Fiyaz’s yields had dropped to approximately,1,200kg per acre while production costs continued to increase.

The impact

The impact

The results from a single season demonstrated how regenerative pest management approaches can improve both environmental and economic outcomes.

Significant reduction in chemical use

By shifting to need-based spraying and monitoring pest activity more closely, Fiyaz reduced pesticide use by 85%, requiring only one spray during the season. This not only reduced input costs but also lowered health risks associated with repeated chemical exposure.

Improved productivity and profitability

Despite dramatically reducing chemical applications, cotton yields increased from 1,200 kg to 1,500 kg per acre, representing a 25% increase in productivity. At the same time, overall production costs declined by 25%, improving profitability and reducing financial pressure on the farm.

Restoring biodiversity and soil health

Reducing pesticide use also supported the return of beneficial insects, including ladybirds, spiders, and pollinators – key indicators of improving biodiversity and healthier field ecosystems. Fiyaz observed visible improvements in soil condition and biological activity, helping restore resilience within the farming system and creating a healthier environment for future growing seasons. Neighbouring farmers also began visiting his fields to learn more about the approach and observe the results firsthand.

“Using just one spray this season felt unbelievable – and my yield still increased.”

Fiyaz Hussain, Cotton Farmer, Punjab, Pakistan

Looking ahead

Fiyaz’s experience highlights how regenerative and nature-based farming practices can help cotton farmers reduce costs, strengthen resilience, and restore ecosystem health without compromising productivity.

By combining practical farmer training with Integrated Pest Management tools, the programme demonstrated that reducing chemical dependency can deliver measurable benefits for both livelihoods and the environment.

As more farmers in the region observe these results, approaches such as IPM have the potential to support wider adoption of regenerative cotton farming practices across Pakistan’s cotton-growing communities.