MY 2016/17 seed cotton production from the selected West African countries (Burkina Faso, Mali, Cote d’Ivoire, Chad, and Senegal) could reach 1.9 million tons (3.6 million bales) representing 19 per cent increase compared to previous year’s. Burkina Faso did not plant Bt cotton in MY2016/17 campaign due to unresolved issue between Monsanto and cotton stakeholders regarding the short fibre length that reduced fibre quality. Consequently, Burkina Faso cotton fibre prices decreased at the international market and so did farmer’s revenue. Nevertheless, Burkina Faso forecast a 20 per cent increase compared to the previous year with 700,000 tons of seed cotton followed by Mali (629,000 tons), Cote d’Ivoire (360,000 tons), Chad (171,000 tons), and Senegal (20,000 tons). Cote d’Ivoire farm gate price is the highest in the region (265 F CFA – $0.44 per kg). read more
