In Chad, the campaign to distribute cotton seeds to revive the cotton sector is suspended.

The Ministry of Agriculture had nevertheless authorized the import of new cotton seeds to fill the gap created by the drop in production. The authorities reversed this decision. This angered cotton growers.

A year and a half ago, the Singaporean company Olam bought 60% of the capital of Cotontchad, a former flagship of the Chadian economy which has lost its luster. The objective was to relaunch the cotton sector, which sustains most of southern Chad.

After a complicated first campaign, the Singaporean group decided this year to strike hard by importing seeds from Cameroon, which has the same similarities as Chad.

The necessary authorizations were granted and seed distribution even started in some areas before the Ministry of Agriculture remembered that imported seeds must be tested beforehand.

A decision that does not understand the president of the Collective of cotton growers, Mbontar Ndoukoyel: “Until the hour when I speak to you, people call to ask: but what about the seeds?

It's a blow. Because there, already, the producer does not have his program in what he is doing. If we don't want cotton growing in Chad, let them tell us! That way, everyone makes their own arrangements. »

In a press release, the Minister of Agriculture, Mrs. Lydie Béassemda indicates that her decision has the sole purpose of preserving the interests of producers through seed certification, even if the start of cultivation is a few weeks late.