London, 25 September 2010

The rising cost of cotton production is a major concern to all producers around the world. A survey by the ICAC Secretariat shows that the average cost of producing one kilogram of lint was US$1.22 in 2009/10, 18 cents higher than three years earlier.

The major contributors to the costs of production vary by production system, level of technology and the rising cost of labor and inputs. Lowering the cost of production is a complex challenge, and there is no easy solution appropriate for all regions. Many country-specific options for lowering production costs were presented by experts from Brazil, Pakistan, Turkey, USA and Zambia at the 69th Plenary Meeting of the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) in Lubbock, Texas, USA on September 24.

Labor costs are increasing, even in developing countries, and some countries are encouraging mechanization and the use of herbicides. Biotech cotton can help to lower the cost of production in some cases, but it is not appropriate in all production systems. The ICAC will organize a round table for facilitating communications on cotton biotechnology among member countries.

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