Kot Addu, located in the agriculturally rich Muzaffargarh District of southern Punjab, Pakistan, benefits from fertile alluvial soils and an extensive canal irrigation system. As a result, agriculture forms the backbone of its local economy. Here’s an overview of the major crops grown in Kot Addu:
🌾 Major Crops of Kot Addu
1. Sugarcane (گنا)
-
One of the most significant cash crops in Kot Addu.
-
Supported by the presence of sugar mills such as Fatima Sugar Mills in Sanawan.
-
Grown mainly in the canal-irrigated lands between the Indus River and Taunsa Barrage.
2. Wheat (گندم)
-
Grown as a staple food crop during the rabi (winter) season.
-
Forms the dietary foundation for most households.
-
Sown in November–December and harvested in April–May.
3. Cotton (روئی / کپاس)
-
Traditionally a major cash crop for the region.
-
Used by the local textile industry and for cottonseed oil production.
-
Faces challenges in recent years due to climate change and pest attacks.
4. Rice (چاول)
-
Cultivated in specific areas with abundant water supply.
-
Basmati varieties are preferred for commercial and domestic consumption.
5. Maize (مکئی)
-
Grown both as a food crop and for animal fodder.
-
Popular in rural diets and often used in poultry feed production.
🍊 Fruits Grown in Kot Addu
1. Mangoes (آم)
-
Kot Addu produces high-quality mango varieties such as Chaunsa and Sindhri.
-
Harvested during May–August and widely exported across Pakistan.
2. Citrus (Kinnow Oranges – کینو)
-
Thrives in Kot Addu’s climate, especially in areas near orchards in rural tehsils.
-
Kinnow oranges are in demand locally and are exported to Middle Eastern and Central Asian countries.
3. Guava (امرود)
-
Grown year-round with major harvests in winter and spring.
-
Used both for direct consumption and processing into juices and jams.
🌿 Other Agricultural Products
-
Fodder crops like berseem and lucerne are cultivated to support livestock farming.
-
Vegetables such as okra, spinach, onions, tomatoes, and turnips are grown for local markets.
🌊 Irrigation & Support
Kot Addu benefits from:
-
A well-maintained canal network stemming from Taunsa Barrage.
-
Seasonal rainfall during monsoon (July–September).
-
Agricultural research and training from nearby centers like the Fatima Sugar R&D Centre.
