The Benin government has launched a program aimed at increasing cotton production for the 2026-2027 campaign. The program, which was launched on October 23, 2026, in Savalou, involves a pilot project to intensify cotton production, entrusted to the Agricultural Development Agencies (ATDA) 2, 3, and 4. The launch was attended by the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries, Adin Yéton Bloukounon Goubalan. This initiative follows a relatively successful 2025-2026 campaign.
According to the Regional Program for Integrated Cotton Production in Africa (PR-PICA), Benin harvested 533,590 tonnes of cotton in the 2025-2026 campaign, making it the top producer in the CFA franc zone, ahead of Mali. However, this production represents a 16.3% decline from the previous year. Previous campaigns had been more successful, with 766,273 tonnes produced in 2021-2022, before a decline in 2022-2023 and a drop to second place behind Mali in 2024-2025.
The pilot project aims to increase cotton yields per hectare through revised technical itineraries and more rigorous management of inputs. Authorities are also emphasizing discipline in the field, with cotton-producing village cooperatives required to deliver their harvests to ginning factories for at least six months. Market managers are called upon to ensure timely evacuations to minimize fires, moisture, and weight loss.
The president of the interprofessional cotton association has requested that marketing be carried out exclusively through the mechanism established by the interprofession to prevent cotton from being sold fraudulently. In terms of financing, 3,883,000,000 FCFA has been allocated to support the campaign. Despite the rise in global prices, the government has maintained the purchase prices from the previous campaign, with second-choice organic cotton seed set at 310 FCFA per kilogram.
The program's goal is to boost cotton production in Benin, which has been facing challenges in recent years. The country's cotton sector has been impacted by various factors, including fluctuations in global prices and changes in production levels. The government's initiative aims to address these challenges and improve the sector's performance.
The launch of the program was attended by various stakeholders, including cotton producers, cooperatives, and government officials. The Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries emphasized the importance of the cotton sector to Benin's economy and the need for increased production. The program is expected to have a positive impact on the sector and the country's economy.
The Benin government's program to boost cotton production for the 2026-2027 campaign is part of a broader effort to support the country's agricultural sector. The program's success will depend on various factors, including the implementation of the pilot project and the cooperation of stakeholders. Key points include:
Key points
- The program aims to increase cotton yields per hectare through revised technical itineraries and more rigorous management of inputs.
- The government has allocated 3,883,000,000 FCFA to support the campaign.
- The program's goal is to boost cotton production in Benin, which has been facing challenges in recent years.
