Mali’s Cotton Production Declines 4.8% Due to Adverse Weather Conditions
Heavy Rains and Flooding Impact 2024/2025 Season Output
Mali’s cotton production for the 2024/2025 season fell by 4.8%, primarily due to heavy rains, flooding, and widespread crop damage, according to the country’s Agriculture Minister Daniel Simeon Kelema. The West African nation produced 656,679 metric tons of unprocessed cotton, down from 690,000 tons in the previous season.
Production Falls Short of Government Forecast
The ministry had initially projected a yield of 765,000 tons at the beginning of the season in May 2024. However, unfavorable weather conditions throughout the growing period significantly impacted crop yields, resulting in the lower output.
Optimistic Outlook for 2025/2026 Season
Minister Kelema stated that Mali anticipates producing 682,000 metric tons of cotton in the upcoming 2025/2026 season. He emphasized that achieving this target would require favorable weather patterns and the continuation of agricultural subsidies to support farmers.
Source: Reuters via Times Live