(Ecofin Agency) - After slumping for two consecutive seasons, global cotton sown area will in 2017/2018 soar by 11% to reach 32.5 million hectares. 

According to the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC), which released these forecasts on December 1, 2017, the increase will be driven by the expansion of area sown in the main producing nations.

Thus, India, the world’s leading producer will dedicate 11.55 million ha to the crop in 2017/2018, while US, the world’s top exporter, will increase its cotton sown area by 20% to 4.6 million ha.

Meanwhile, Pakistan, 4^th largest producer worldwide, will have this area soar by 24%, compared to the previous season, to 3.1% million ha.

Overall, ICAC believes that the increase in sown areas will produce significant benefits, worldwide.

In fact, cotton output over the period under review should stand at 25.7 million tons, thus up 12% compared to the past season (23 million tons).

Espoir Olodo