13th ALIDA meeting reviews cotton growth in Latin America

22 Oct '13

2 min read

The Latin American Association for Cotton Research and Development (ALIDA) hosted its 13th meeting in Cartagena, Colombia, where cotton industry leaders from Latin American countries and the US discussed the current situation of cotton development in the region.

In addition to the importance of the sector in Latin America with emphasis on research and development, where the extension has its main role in the transfer of technology generated, the need for soil conservation and emerging problems with diseases, pests and the use of new technologies such as Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) and high seeding, were also addressed during the meeting.

At the event held parallel to the sessions of the 72nd International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) Plenary Meeting, the production costs of cotton in Latin American countries were the main topic of discussion, as well the advancement of technology of fibers with biotech varieties, and development of projects through grants which guarantee a minimum price to the cotton producer.

Representatives from Argentina presented a research on weevil management by biological control fungus, whereas representatives from Mexico emphasized on the reduction of pesticide use in pest control through the introduction of GMO materials.

Cotton sector representatives from the Latin American country of Paraguay presented the current situation cotton in the country and the prospects for current crop year.

Jorge Cardena, researcher at the Colombian Agricultural Research Corporation (CORPOICA), was the coordinator of the 13th meeting.

During the event, Paraguay was unanimously chosen as the venue for the 14th meeting of ALIDA which is scheduled to be held in 2015.

ALIDA was established over 25 years ago with a mandate to facilitate communication among cotton researchers in Latin America.

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India

More Textiles News - Colombia...