Mali to produce 500,000 tons of cotton seeds in 2010-2012

Bamako, Mali (PANA) - The Malian Company for Textile Development (CMDT) plans to produce 500,000 tons of cotton seeds from 2010-2012, which is double the 260,000 tons projected production for the 2010-2011 season, PANA learnt from the company here.

To achieve this, the company has given some incentives, such as increases in the price of the various qualities of cotton seeds for producers.

The premium priced cotton will be purchased at 255 CFA francs a kilogramme, an increase of 70 CFA francs, compared to the 185 CFA francs per kilo purchased the previous season.

Prices of the second and third grade cotton will be increased to 230 CFA francs and 210 CFA francs respectively per kilogramme.

Meanwhile, CMDT has stopped the allocation of agricultural credits to village cooperatives following abuse by some producers who deploy fertilizers and inputs intended for cotton for other cereal crops.

Instead, it will now grant credit facilities only to individuals.

In the 2003-2004 crop year, Mali produced 600,000 tons of cotton seeds to become the leading cotton-producing nation in sub-Saharan Africa.

Since then, production has declined significantly, due to the fall in cotton prices on the international market.
-0- PANA WG/JSG/SMD/BOS 25Feb2011