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
Senegal – Cotton and Products Update
TO GO WITH AFP STORY BY MONA SALEM An Egyptian farmer collects the cotton harvest at a farm in al-Massara village near the Nile delta city of Mansura, 130 kms north of Cairo, on September 22, 2009. Long and extra long staple cotton was introduced to the country in the 19th century by Mohammed Ali, the founder of Modern Egypt, and has since been used by luxury designers and upmarket establishments for its superior quality. But today, Egyptian cotton production is in decline, having this year reached its lowest in 100 years. AFP PHOTO/KHALED DESOUKI