West African cotton production is on the rise
With reference to a report of the Global Agricultural Information Network, C3+2 countries (Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali – Cote d’Ivoire, and Senegal), as forecasted in April 2015, produced 3.5 million bales (1.8 million tons) of seed cotton in MY2014/15 (Aug/July)
Despite the delayed and intermittent rainy season, production increased by 17 percent compared to the last year’s output, and a 2 percent increase compared to USDA United States Department of Agriculture Chad and Mali played a key role in the overall production compared to previous years.
In Chad the increase amounts 73 % (142000 tons) with a yield of 550 tons per hectare*, the lowest in the region. In Mali production increased by 24.5 percent (548000 t). Yields reached 1017 t per hectare*. Nevertheless, Burkina Faso remains, followed by Mali, the top cotton producer in West Africa with 9.7 % increase (710000 t) and yields estimated at 1044 t per hectare*. Côte d’Ivoire production increased 11 % (450000 tons). Average yield is 1070 tons per hectare*. Senegal seed cotton production decreased 10 % (26000 tons) in 2014/15. With a good start of the 2015/16 rainy season, the countries forecast MY2015/16 seed cotton production is at 4 million bales (2.1 million t) up 12 %. Due to the declining international cotton prices, most countries anticipate farm gate, prices will either remain the same or increase marginally. Fixed prices in Burkina Faso and Mali increased 4 % and 1 % percent respectively, while it decreased 6 % in Côte d’Ivoire.
* cotton yield before ginning Source: Global Agricultural Information Network USDA Foreign Agricultural Service