Cameroon set for new record in cotton production

26 Apr '21

1 min read

Pic: Shutterstock

Cotton production in 2020-21 season, which will conclude in the next few days, in the Central African country of Cameroon is expected to witness a new record of 350,000 tons, according to the country's cotton development corporation Sodecoton. Cameroon's cotton production was 328,000 tons in the previous season, most of which was exported.

Cameroon exports its cotton to Asian countries, with China being the main destination. Other Asian countries importing Cameroon cotton are Bangladesh, Vietnam and Indonesia.

In 2019, 18.4 per cent of Cameroon's cotton production was exported to China (compared to 22 per cent in 2018), followed by 12.2 per cent to Italy, and 11 per cent to India.

Sodecoton is planning to increase the country’s annual cotton production to 600,000 tons by 2025. To reach the ambitious target, Sodecoton plans to develop high-yielding seed varieties, instead of the earlier planned introduction of genetically modified (GM) crops.

Last year, as part of its 2020-30 National Development Strategy, the Cameroon government merged Sodecoton and Cotonnière Industrielle du Cameroun (Cicam) to boost the country's cotton textiles industry. Prior to merger, Sodecoton organised the production and marketing of cotton in Cameroon, while Cicam specialised in the manufacture of 100 per cent cotton loincloths and towels.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RKS)

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