Mali's cotton production grows, but short of estimated level

17 Nov '11

2 min read

Mali has witnessed a considerable rise in its raw cotton production this season as compared to previous season, but it still fell short of reaching the estimated level for the period.

The semi-arid West African country's overall cotton production with a year-on-year rise of 65 percent grew from last year's production of 243,000 tons to around 400,000 tons this season, which is below the estimated 500,000 tons.

Although the production has fallen short of estimated levels, considering the 65 percent year-on-year rise in production, the cotton season in Mali has been declared a success.

Mali's cotton season is calculated from April to March, but cultivation generally concludes in October. Hence, the Government can draw overall production estimates on the basis of area under cultivation, prior to harvesting and marketing of the crop.

Rise in current season's production is mainly attributable to good rains and increased fixed procurement price. However, less rains during the crop growing season caused the production to fall short of the estimated target.

Mali is one of the leading cotton producing countries in Africa, and its current cotton production is much less than the historic high levels seen prior to a downfall in international cotton prices during the mid-1990s.

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India