Uganda’s cotton output in the 2017-18 season rose by a third after higher prices the previous year encouraged farmers to plant more.

Production has been the highest since the 2011-12 season before drought and lower prices cut yields. While harvesting is complete, ginneries are still processing the crop and marketing will continue until the end of September.

Uganda is East Africa’s second-biggest cotton grower. Companies such as UK-based Plexus Cotton are supporting smallholder cotton farmers in the East African nation to boost yields.

A positive trajectory is anticipated for production in the coming season.

Cotton, tea and tobacco are major exports in the nation that’s also Africa’s biggest shipper of coffee beans. Uganda ranks behind Tanzania as the region’s largest cotton producer.

Uganda is the only country in the world that grows one variety of cotton, the long-stapled Bukalasa Pedigree Albar. This focus on one type ensures uniformity and easier quality control measures in producing lint and yarn. Currently cotton is cultivated in about 1,00,000 hectares.

Uganda’s cotton has found favor with textile importers in Germany, Denmark and other European countries.

Ninety per cent of Uganda’s cotton is exported. Cotton production in Uganda is entirely rain-fed.