Benin: One million tanks for cotton-growing areas to combat drought

The mission took the minister to Banikoara, Sinendé, Ouassa-Péhunco, Djougou, Savalou, Glazoué, and Djidja. According to a report published by the government on September 15, the observed crops were generally in good vegetative condition, but producers reported challenges related to rainfall, mechanization, seed quality, soil fertility, and crop marketing.

The one million tanks program is primarily aimed at addressing water risk in cotton-growing areas. The ministry presents it as a tool to enhance water management at the farm level and reduce losses during periods of rainfall deficit. The deployment schedule, funding method, and criteria for equipment allocation have not yet been detailed in the government statement.

This measure comes as the executive maintains a target of 700,000 tons of cottonseed for the 2026-2027 agricultural campaign. During the official launch of the campaign in April, the government set this volume as the national target and associated it with an expected 20% increase in cotton production.

An incentive bonus of 10 FCFA per kilogram is also planned for producers if national production reaches the threshold of 700,000 tons by the end of the campaign. This measure, decided in a Council of Ministers meeting in June, is part of a broader support system for agricultural sectors, with similar bonuses for soybeans, rice, and cashew nuts under certain local processing conditions.

Water management at the heart of the initiative

During his tour, Adin Yéton Bloukounon Goubalan also emphasized the restoration of soil fertility and the use of biofertilizers. The ministry further cites the digitalization of agricultural advisory services, mechanization, social protection for farmers, and a mechanism for purchasing surplus harvests among the strategies mobilized for the current campaign.

In Banikoara, the first stop of the visit, the delegation notably visited a 50-hectare farm, of which 42 hectares were actively cultivated, including 32.5 hectares of cotton, 11 hectares of maize, and 3.5 hectares of rice. The tour concluded in Djidja on September 12, after covering seven production areas.