Cotton production in Benin

摘要

Cotton area has increased in Benin in the last ten years, making it one of the largest producers in West Africa. Cotton was grown on 103,000 hectares in 1986/87, 123,000 hectares in 1990/91, and 282,000 in 1995/96. During 1998/99 and 1999/00, cottonwas grown on 400,000 hectares. However, low yields in the last three years affected cotton area in 2000/01. ICAC statistics indicate that in 2000/01 only 379,000 hectares were planted and ICAC forecasts suggest that average cotton yields will be even lower in 2001/02 and that area will not increase in 2001/02. Cotton area in Benin is divided between the North and South. The North region grows two-thirds of the total. Only one variety, STAM 18--adapted from Togo--is grown in both regions. Although cottonis rainfed in both regions, there are a number of significant differences between the two.