. /.   WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  WT/CFMC/W/39 
13 October 2008 
 
 (08-4863) 
 Original:   French 
  
 
DIRECTOR-GENERAL'S CONSULTATIVE FRAMEWORK 
MECHANISM ON COTTON 
 
Cotton Projects
 
 
Communication from Benin 
 
  The following communication, dated 7 October 2008, is being circulated at the request of the delegation of Benin. 
 
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DIVERSIFICATION OF VARIETAL SUPPLY WITH A VIEW TO IMPROVING 
COTTON PRODUCTIVITY AND QUALITY IN BENIN 
 
 
I. STATEMENT OF PROBLEMS AND JUSTIFICATION 
1. A single variety of cotton is extensively used throughout Benin, a variety developed under a 
standard technical blueprint for early, low-density  sowing.  The pedoclima tic conditions have now 
changed, however, leading to the ever more insist ent questioning of the single technical blueprint and 
the diversification of cultivation techniques in rura l areas.  Agronomists have begun responding to this 
new demand by developing technical strategies adapte d to late crops and characterized in particular 
by higher sowing density (Lan çon et al, not yet published).  It is becoming necessary to take account 
of this diversification of technical practices in the recommendations concerning varieties.  In this 
connection, a recent preliminary study highlighted three high-performing varietal types that can be 
used as benchmarks for varietal selection in Benin (S ekloka, 2006).  It will th en be necessary, in the 
context of this project, to establish a varietal cr eation programme geared to diversification of the 
varietal supply on the basis of the three varietal types previously identified. 
II. OVERALL OBJECTIVE 
2. The project is aimed at restructuring the selection programme in order to create a diversified 
varietal supply adapted to major cultivation constraints. 
III. SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE 
(a) Check performance of the three ideotypes proposed by Sekloka (2006) under 
conditions representative of small farm practices. 
(b) Draw up and establish a new selection programme. WT/CFMC/W/39 
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  IV. EXPECTED RESULTS 
(a) Previously identified ideotypes to be ev aluated and the conditi ons for expression of 
their potential to be redefined. 
(b) Preparation of a new varietal creation programme. 
(c) Introduction of a new varietal creation programme. 
(d) Submission of a scientific article to an international magazine. 
V. MAIN LINES OF ACTIVITY 
(a) Seed multiplication. 
(b) Establishment of a multi-site mechanism in the main producer regions over two years, 
four localities. 
(c) Training of student trainees. 
(d) Drafting of a report and a scientific article. 
(e) Organization of a national scientific wo rkshop on varietal diversification. 
(f) Organization of a national workshop for econom ic operators in the sector, on varietal 
diversification. 
(g) Establishment of a field mechanism:  creation of new genetic variability 
(introduction, crossbreeding, interseasonal activity). 
(h) Agronomic and technological assessm ent of new genetic materials. 
3. Apart from these eight varietal selection activities, the selection laboratory needs to be 
refurbished and equipped for the proper implementati on of this project.  The estimated cost of the 
refurbishment is CFAF 80 million. 
4. Estimated budget over three years for varietal selection:  CFAF 99.6 million. 
Total budget by activity (CFAF millions
) 
 
Activity No. 1 No. 2 No. 3 No. 4 No. 5 No. 6 No. 7 No. 8 
Year 1 1.8      2.4  
Year 2 1.8 5.8 3.0   6.0 3.0 8.4 
Year 3  5.8 3.0 1.8 11.2  3.6 43.0 
Total budget/ 
activity 3.6 11.6 6.0 1.8 11.2 6.0 8.0 51.4 
 
5. Laboratory refurbishment:  CFAF 80,000,000. 
6. Total project cost:  one hundred and seventy-nine million six hundred thousand 
francs (CFAF 179,600,000).  
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