The Compagnie malienne pour le développement des textiles (CMDT) has launched its 2026-2027 cotton harvesting campaign in the Kita region of Mali. The campaign began with the production of the first bale of cotton fiber at the Kita ginning factory. The event was attended by Dr. Kouloumégué Dembélé, President and General Manager of CMDT, and other officials. The launch marks a significant milestone in Mali's cotton industry.

The CMDT ginning factory in Kita has started operations, with the first bale of cotton fiber produced on Wednesday. The ceremony was attended by local authorities, including the Governor of Kita Region, Daouda Maïga, and members of the National Transition Council's rural development commission. The event highlighted the importance of the cotton industry to Mali's economy and the role of CMDT in promoting sustainable cotton production.

Dr. Kouloumégué Dembélé expressed his satisfaction with the launch of the campaign, citing the collaboration between cotton producers, suppliers, and transporters. He emphasized the need to anticipate the effects of climate change and improve agricultural input supply. Dembélé also highlighted the importance of maintaining high-quality cotton and preventing contamination throughout the production chain.

The Governor of Kita Region, Daouda Maïga, stressed the significance of cotton to the local and national economy, alongside gold. He noted that Kita has the potential to become a major cotton-producing region, with fertile land, committed producers, and government support. Maïga expressed his optimism about the region's prospects for growth and development.

The President of the National Transition Council's rural development commission, Mohamed Albachar Touré, praised the synergy between CMDT, producers, and regional authorities. He explained that the field mission aimed to engage with producers, address concerns, and assess the state of factories and construction projects. Touré called on CMDT to maintain its efforts, enhance professionalism, and collaborate closely with stakeholders.

The launch of the cotton harvesting campaign in Kita marks a new phase in Mali's cotton industry. The region aims to transform its agricultural potential into sustainable wealth, benefiting producers and the national economy. CMDT's efforts to improve production and collaboration with stakeholders will be crucial in achieving this goal.

The cotton industry plays a vital role in Mali's economy, providing employment and income opportunities in rural areas. The CMDT's initiatives to promote sustainable cotton production, improve quality, and enhance collaboration with stakeholders will contribute to the growth and development of the industry. Key challenges, such as climate change and contamination, must be addressed to ensure the long-term success of the sector.

Key points

  • The CMDT has launched its 2026-2027 cotton harvesting campaign in the Kita region of Mali, marking a significant milestone in the country's cotton industry.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.