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Burkina Faso cotton accounts for 70% of the total agricultural exports in the country. The country is the leading cotton exporter in Africa after Mali.

Cotton has contributed significantly to the massive growth in the gross domestic product of Burkina Faso. The cotton industry has contributed to about 60% of export in the country for the past few years. Cotton has remained significant in the textile industry despite the introduction of artificial fibres. This is probably due to the high quality and durability of its textiles. It accounts for close to 30% of the total textile production in the country and across the world.

White gold was introduced into Burkina Faso right before the French colonial period from India. Initially, it was grown along with food crops and did not have much economic significance. However, it is currently a significant source of income for the farmers and employs the country’s population that work in the processing plants.

The southwest region of Burkina Faso is the primary area of cotton production in the country. Gossypium hirsutum does well in arid and semi-arid regions that receive an annual rainfall of between 50 and 150mm. It strives better in tropical areas due to its vulnerability to pests and diseases.

Planting begins around May when the long rains start and may go on through to September. At this time, the seedlings get sufficient moisture that is necessary for them to grow. It takes about five months for cotton to mature and be ready for harvest. When the boll cracks open to reveal a fluffy, white fibre that is a sign the cotton is ready for harvest.

The cotton plant grows upright o a semi-woody stem to a height of about six feet. The leaves of this plant are dark green, each with three or four lobes measuring up to about four inches in length. The fruit of this plant is small, dark brown and round. It protects the cotton and bursts open once the cotton is ready for harvest.

Farmers built sheds where they store cotton seeds pile on the ground. It is important to ensure there is no excess water on the ground as this ruins the quality of cotton. Moisture content in the storage sheds should be limited to not more than 10%. The sheds are covered by canvas to shield the harvest from rains, sun and other harsh weather conditions.

The cottonseed is spread to dry and later the cotton, and the boll are separated by hand or using ginning machines. They are then sorted out according to size and quality ad later packed in bags and poly-lined bags for marketing. Large quantities of cotton are packed in bales.

Cotton can be shipped by rail, road, air or sea as long as temperature and humidity levels are controlled to preserve its quality and market value. Transport containers should be clean to avoid contamination by any sticky substances. It should also be well ventilated with a temperature of about 10 degrees Celsius to preserve the freshness of the product.

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