Aguibou Sounkara, a 41-year-old cotton producer from Mali's Koutiala region, has set a goal to harvest over 70 tonnes of cotton from his 22-hectare farm. As a member of a farming family, Sounkara has made cotton his passion and a means to achieve success. His farm in the village of Chicolomba not only produces cotton but also other crops such as mil, sorgho, arachide, haricot, soja, and maize.
Sounkara's interest in cotton farming was sparked by his family's agricultural background. However, he did not rely solely on inherited knowledge. He sought guidance from experienced producers to improve his results. This eagerness to learn enabled him to expand his farm gradually. In the previous campaign, he harvested over 60 tonnes of cotton from 20 hectares, achieving a yield of more than three tonnes per hectare.
To enhance his productivity, Sounkara has visited countries like Brazil and China to learn from their cotton production experiences. These trips have convinced him that Mali has significant room for improvement. He notes that countries like Brazil can produce up to seven tonnes of cotton per hectare, while in Mali, achieving one tonne per hectare can be challenging.
Sounkara advocates for the availability of improved seeds adapted to current climatic conditions to boost productivity in Malian farms. He believes that if each cotton producer could achieve three tonnes per hectare, factories could operate for 12 months a year. Furthermore, he sees cotton as a means to sustainably improve the living conditions of rural families.
The revenue generated from cotton has enabled Sounkara to make significant investments in his community. He has constructed buildings, purchased tractors, and supported his children's education. He encourages his peers to invest their income in education, housing, and farm modernization. Sounkara's goal is to see the benefits of cotton production contribute more to village development.
Despite challenges such as delayed fertilizer and herbicide supplies, difficulties accessing seeds, and irregular rainfall, Sounkara remains committed to his goals. This year, he aims to harvest 70 tonnes of cotton from his 22 hectares, which would translate to approximately 3.2 tonnes per hectare. He emphasizes the need for timely access to inputs, adapted seeds, and better water management to achieve this target.
Sounkara's efforts are part of a broader push to make cotton a sustainable driver of rural development in Mali. With his experience and commitment to modernizing his farm, he hopes to contribute to a more efficient cotton industry. His story serves as an example of the potential for cotton production to improve the livelihoods of rural families and support the country's economic growth.
Key points
- Sounkara aims to harvest 70 tonnes of cotton from 22 hectares.
- He advocates for improved seeds adapted to current climatic conditions.
- Cotton production can improve rural families' living conditions.
