Most cotton produced (90%) in Sudan is exported as raw material and accordingly forms an important foreign exchange earner. In 2011 175 thousand bales of cotton (480 Lbs. each) were exported. Cotton is also processed locally for weaving and spinning as well a supply for the cotton oil industry. Sudan produces 4 types of cotton namely, extra-long, long, medium & short staples. Productivity is around 0.5 tons/feddan.