Sea Island Cotton Production in Antigua and Barbuda By Jedidiah Maxime and Lesroy Grant 25th January, 2011

OUTLINE Production (History,Status of 2010-2011 crop,Projections for 2011-2012 crop,Challenges) By Maxime Ginnery(Gins,Building,Bales, Challenges) By Grant Conclusion

HISTORY Cotton production commenced around 1903 Commercial production began 1907(2000 acres) 1920 production decreased 1939-1942 production increased

HISTORY- Cont’d 1950-1960 further production increase (5,958 acres) Late 1960’s significant decline 1960 - present production fluctuates annually with cotton produced by ADC, Cotton Station and small farmers.

STATUS OF 2010/2011 CROP 9 acres currently under cultivation at Central Cotton Station .Harvesting to commence by Feb 2011. 3,000 lbs lint expected 40 acres currently under cultivation at ADC. 14,000 lbs lint expected.

PROJECTIONS FOR 2011/2012 CROP ADC 100 acres Central Cotton Station 20 acres Small farmers 30 acres Total expected Yield Seed cotton 150,000lbs Lint 50,000 lbs

CHALLENGES Weather conditions ( wet) affected land preparation and other mechanical activities Harvesting of crop - Lack of skilled pickers Land availability for cotton production – Competition with land for housing

GINNERY State of Gins 3 Gins currently working efficiently and are capable to gin quantities projected

GINNERY (Cont’d) Building-In a state of disrepair

GINNERY-Cont’d Bales of Lint for marketing( 28 Bales)

CHALLENGES State of the Building Cost price for Lint Frequency of purchase of Lint from Antigua and Barbuda.

CONCLUSION Government is committed to cotton production in Antigua and Barbuda Budgetary allocations are made for the seed multiplication, production and distribution programme and ginning of cotton seeds

CONCLUSION –Cont’d Support to cotton farmers are provided by the Extension Division and Cotton Station Options of Crop Improvement would be explored for the revitalization and viability of the cotton industry.