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Recently a team of senior representatives of AMPA the Mato
Grosso Cotton Growers Association of Brazil visited Bangladesh
with an intention to present the qualities of Brazil cotton to
the Bangladeshi spinners. The team members were Mr. Joao Luiz
Ribas Pessa, Advisor, Brazilian Cotton Growers Association (ABRAPA),
Mr. Gilson Ferrucio Pinesso, Vice President, Mato Grosso Cotton
Growers Association (AMPA), Mr. Guilheme Mognon Scheffer,
Director, Mato Grosso Cotton Growers Association (AMPA) and Mr.
Andew G. Macdonald, Adviser, Mato Grosso Cotton Growers
Association (AMPA). They visited leading textile mill, met with
the owners and also organized a seminar, which was participated
by a number of spinners and traders.
 During a discussion on Brazil cotton they explained to the
representative of Cotton Bangladesh that although Brazil was one
of the largest exporter of cotton in the 80s, the production and
export slumped significantly due to political reasons in the
90s. In the years 1997-98 Brazilian cotton growers tried to grow
cotton in the Savannas. The climate there was suitable for
growing cotton with long rainy season when the cotton grew and a
dry
season during harvesting. Since then Brazil has been growing
very good cotton in the Savannas, particularly in the Mato
Grosso State. Soon Brazil resumed export of cotton and is now
determined to regain its position in the international market.
On a query on the cause of success in growing export quality
cotton in Brazil, Mr. Joao Luiz Ribas Pessa, Advisor, ABRAPA,
explained that the causes were the favorable weather, soil and
topography. He also identified the capability of the hard
working farmers to accept and absorb new technologies as a
positive factor for the success. Widespread dissemination of
research and technological findings and their implementation
also played a significant role in the success of Brazil cotton,
he felt.
Mr. Pessa further explained the role of AMPA, the Mato Grosso
Cotton Growers Association, which was set up in 1997 as a non
profit making private enterprise organization representing the
Mato Grosso cotton growers. The State of Mato Grosso represents
48% of all cotton produced in Brazil and 95% of the Mato Grosso
cotton growers are members of AMPA. AMPA is associated to ABRAPA
the National Brazilian Cotton Growers Association. The main
objective of AMPA is to popularize Brazil cotton among spinners
globally, particularly to emerging markets.
Discussing the competitive advantages of Brazil cotton the team
members explained that 95% of Brazilian cotton is rain grown
thus ensuring quality. As all cotton is machine picked it is
free from contamination, they said.
They identified the individual tag for each bale as a
significant advantage of Brazil cotton. Brazil has adopted the
Universal Standards of the cotton classification, similar to the
USDA, a unique form to identify the cotton bales. Brazilian
Cotton Growers Association has introduced labels, or bales tags,
with a bar code for identification of all the bales The
advantage of this system, which is used all over Brazil, can
identify each bale and thus avoid chances of duplication.
While explaining the individual bar code the team members
explained that the Brazilian Cotton Growers Association has
introduced labels, or bales tags, with a bar code for
identification of all the bales. The number identifies the gin
with a particular code, given by ABRAPA. Only a registered gin
can use the system. The first five digits represent the State
and the gin press. The following digits represent the number of
the bale. The last digit is the secret check number. The
combination of the 12 digits provides the identification for
following up any problem at the origin.
The representatives of AMPA also mentioned that Brazil takes
utmost care in ensuring quality ginning of their cotton. In most
cases the cotton growers of Brazil are owners of ginning
facilities. They ensure that the good quality cotton they grow
retains its high value throughout the ginning process too.
Brazil has a good program to ensure that good cotton reaches the
container as a complete quality package; said the
representatives of AMPA.
 Mr. Joao Luiz Ribas Pessa said that he was impressed by the
commitment of the textile mill owners of Bangladesh, which was
evident from the investment that has been made through
installation of state of art machinery and facilities. He
explained that although Brazil would continue to perform
business in Bangladesh through the traders, it would be helpful
for the spinners to know the competitive advantage of particular
growths so that they can buy cotton based on their specific
requirements. Mr. Pessa commended the business community of
Bangladesh for the warmth expressed toward the AMPA team and
believed Brazil cotton will be able to cater to a wide range of
need of the Bangladesh textile industry. ¨
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