Cotton deliveries are still arriving at the gins, which began in July 2004 and should continue to the end of March. Area harvested is also estimated at a record of 500,000 hectares. The yield of 218 kg/ha is above the 5-year average of 155 kg/ha, due to favorable rains during last year's growing season.

Nearly 90 percent of Tanzania's cotton crop is grown in the northwest where planting occurs from late November thru January, and harvesting begins in June (refer to region production). Rainfall was good for planting the 2005/06 crop and weather has been favorable during establishment of the young crop currently in the ground. Satellite images from SPOT-VEG and AVHRR sensors reveal that current vegetation conditions (NDVI) are above-average, especially for the the main cotton producing zones of Mwanza and Shinyanga regions. Additional satellite images reveal that rainfall arrived on time and was sufficient for planting within the major cotton regions.

Weather in the next several months will play a significant role in determining expected yields for the 2005/06 crop. Inputs, such as insecticides and fertilizers, are expected to be available at the same level as last year. Area planted for 2005/06 may exceed last year’s record area as local reports indicate more cotton seed was distributed this year than last year. In summary, the current season is off to a good start and at the moment the crop has the potential to exceed last year's record crop.



source: http://www.fas.usda.gov/