THE MAIZE SUPPORT PROJECT TO WIN THE LOYALTY OF COTTON GROWERS

Due to producers' growing preference for maize over cotton, Ivoire Coton initiated a maize production support project during the 2023/2024 season.

The main aim of this initiative is to build grower loyalty, by supplying the inputs needed for optimal management of a maize plot :

• hybrid seeds with high yield potential,
• fertilisers,
• herbicides,
• agricultural advice.

Specifically, the aim is to promote a policy of intensive maize growing with the objective of substantially increasing yields in the field and reducing the area under cultivation to levels that can be easily controlled. For cotton growing, this should enable beneficiary producers to find time to maintain their plots and also to consider increasing the area under cultivation.

Through this project, Ivoire Coton is giving itself the means to deal with the establishment of structures specialising in maize production in its area of intervention, which is often at the root of the decline in the number of producers and cotton acreage.

The criteria for selecting producers and granting maize loans are closely linked to the repayment capacity of beneficiaries on the basis of their cotton production. This mainly involves the level of cotton acreage and previous yields.

For the first season, the project is covering a total area of 5000 ha and 3 854 growers, mainly in areas with a strong maize trend.

Initial results, representing around 70% of the area, indicate an average yield of 4T/ha.

For the 2024/2025 season, the forecast area is 8,000 ha, overall of the positives feedback from the field.