Continuous heavy rains to affect cotton output

14 Feb '11

2 min read

Cotton production is likely to be adversely influenced by the continuous heavy rains taking place in Swaziland. Growth of cotton was adversely affected by intense rains. Besides, application of insecticides on cotton crops has also gone waste as it has been washed away by the rain water thereby making the crops prone to insects.

Cotton harvests may decline owing to the heavy rainfall as it requires average rainfall for its growth. The crop is resistant to drought conditions and its roots are able to suck water from below the ground.

In 2009, cotton growers failed to fulfill the requirement of 5,000 tons of cotton as demanded by Spintex every year. Cotton growers of the country contributed around 60 percent more than the usual production but still failed to fulfill the demand of Spintex. Spintex is a cotton mill which purchases cotton, processes it and then exports it to the global market.

During this season, around 922 tons of lint was sent to Spintex for processing whereas only 593 tons were sent during the last fiscal year. Though there has been significant rise in the cotton that has been harvested during this season but the cotton producers have failed to meet the demand for cotton as required by the company.

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India

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