Mozambique is ready to transition from conventional to organic cotton production, in an effort to diversify the market for the product and respond to the current dynamic, which is increasingly seeking sustainable alternatives.

The assurance was given yesterday, in Maputo, by the director of the Institute of Cotton and Oilseeds of Mozambique, Yolanda Gonçalves, at the Cotton Forum of Eastern and Southern Africa, which brought together representatives of governments, producers and other stakeholders.

Quoted by the Notícias newspaper, Yolanda Gonçalves explained that the forum takes place at a time when the institute is consolidating its new structure, which previously had competence over the cotton value chain and other textile fibers, but has now expanded its competence to boost oilseed value.

"Our expectation is that this session can contribute so that the African continent, with the specific contribution of the southern and eastern regions, can draw a roadmap that responds to the challenges of the cotton value chain," he said.

In his turn, the inspector-general of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MADER), Rui Mapatse, said that the world is taking steps towards an agriculture oriented to sustainable production and directed to the conservation of natural resources and Mozambique is not unaware of this current trend.

"The organic cotton agenda in Mozambique is emerging and is framed within the development policy of the agrarian sector and the policy of integrating the family sector into productive value chains," he explained.

According to Gonçalves, one of the expectations of the event, which ends today, is to exchange experiences and identify answers about the steps that the regions of Southern and Eastern Africa should follow to introduce and massify the production of organic cotton and to take advantage of the opportunities that this emerging market offers to the so-called "white gold.

He added that organic cotton production by family sector producers is an opportunity to increase the income of rural families and improve their quality of life.

"We are aware that this transition or the exploration of this organic cotton market has challenges regarding appropriate technology, research on best practices, technology packages, technical assistance to producers, cultural changes, and access to financing, which will require individual commitment and commitment from each country and effort from all as members of the forum," he stressed.

The XV Session of the Southern and Eastern Africa Cotton Forum (SEACF) takes place under the theme "Prospects for Organic Cotton in Africa".