Chihuahua Leads Binational Cotton Pest Eradication Effort

The state of Chihuahua hosted the Annual Working Meeting of the Binational Program for the Eradication of the Pink Bollworm and the Boll Weevil, a project developed in coordination between institutions in Mexico and the United States to protect cotton health in the border region.

Chihuahua is one of the leading cotton-producing states, and this binational program, launched in 2022, aims to strengthen prevention, control, and eradication actions against pests that pose a constant threat to the crop. Its joint operation involves Mexico’s National Service for Agri-Food Health, Safety, and Quality (SENASICA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

During the meeting, participants analyzed the year’s progress, action reports, achievements, and outlooks for the participating entities: Chihuahua, Baja California, Sonora, Tamaulipas, Durango, Coahuila, and Texas. They also reviewed strategies to address emerging pests that affect North America.

As part of the event, a space for direct dialogue was opened with cotton producers, who were recognized as key actors in the operation of sanitary campaigns and in the ongoing monitoring of the crop.

Eliseo Camacho, Tamaulipas Deputy Secretary of Agricultural Development, emphasized the importance of cotton cultivation for the state and highlighted the ongoing actions for controlling the boll weevil and preserving the pink bollworm-free zone. Moreover, he noted that the Government of Tamaulipas maintains close coordination with SENASICA, SADER, and the State Plant Health Committee to strengthen strategies for monitoring, controlling, and eradicating pests that threaten cotton production.

Mauricio Hernández, Director of Agricultural Development, Chihuahua’s Ministry of Rural Development, stated that cotton is one of the strategic crops for Chihuahua and that its productivity depends on the success of sanitary campaigns, which have allowed it to remain an economic pillar in the region. He recalled that, following instructions from Governor Maru Campos, additional resources have been allocated for the third consecutive year to reinforce these actions.

In 2024, national cotton production reached 479,731t, harvested from 118,000ha of planted area. This amounted to a production value of MX$6.4 billion (US$355.7 million). During this period, the leading producers were Chihuahua with 370,122t; Baja California with 41,370t; Coahuila with 39,066t; Sonora with 14,789t; Tamaulipas with 11,835t; and Durango with 2,547t. Globally, Mexico ranks as the eleventh-largest cotton producer, according to data from the General Directorate of the Agri-Food and Fisheries Information Service (DGSIAP).

Worldwide, cotton is a vital source of livelihood for millions of small-scale producers and their families, providing employment and income, and it represents an important export commodity for some of the world’s poorest countries. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER), notes that cotton supports around 24 million farmers and benefits more than 100 million families globally. Moreover, it is the second most-used fiber after polyester, accounting for approximately 20% of global demand, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).