After a month and a half of cotton collection and ginning, the Kédougou region is showing results deemed generally satisfactory by the Textile Fiber Development Company (SODEFITEX). Against a target of 5,785 tonnes, the region has already recorded a collection of 1,958 tonnes, representing a 33.84% achievement rate.

These results are supported by good agricultural yields. The current season is showing an average of 1,411 kilograms per hectare, for a total area of 4,100 hectares planted. These figures suggest a promising season, likely to break the records of previous seasons.

For Waly Léon Faye, regional manager of SODEFITEX in Kédougou, the current dynamic is a source of hope.

“The results recorded after only a month and a half of campaigning are encouraging. Yields are good and the overall quality of the cotton collected is satisfactory. If the pace is maintained, we can reasonably expect to exceed the performance of previous years,” he explains.

Good quality collected cotton

In detail, the collection is broken down as follows:

• 1,908 tonnes 136 kg of cotton classified as first choice,

• 47 tonnes 970 kg second choice,

• 25 tonnes 155 kg in third choice.

This distribution reflects a predominance of good quality cotton, the result of the joint efforts of producers and technical support in the field.

However, the cotton season continues to face significant challenges, particularly with regard to harvesting. This is done entirely by hand, which poses a serious problem of labor availability.

“The main challenge remains the lack of manpower. Cotton harvesting is arduous and requires a lot of manpower. Faced with this situation, producers are developing community strategies, including work parties, where everyone takes turns working in the fields,” emphasizes Waly Léon Faye.

Despite these constraints, SODEFITEX and the producers remain committed to successfully completing the campaign. In Kédougou, optimism persists, fueled by encouraging yields and strong involvement from rural stakeholders.