The countries that export cotton are getting less revenue and getting deeper into debt and farmers individually can't afford basic things like health care and even food in some cases.

BBC: Here in Texas they call it white gold.

Under today's Hong Kong declaration, rich countries will end export subsidies on cotton next year.

NPR: World Trade Deal Reached on Farm Subsidies

In recent months, American and Chinese negotiators have also ironed out spats over soyabeans, America's biggest export to China, and cotton.

ECONOMIST: America's trade relations with China are smooth, for now

Burkina Faso and Mali count on cotton for about one-third of their export earnings, and Chad about one-quarter.

ECONOMIST: The sword and the shield | The

But in the 1990s, textile makers' losses to low-wage countries turned cotton into one of America's most export-dependent crops, with nearly 80% now consumed abroad.

WSJ: Farm Economy Bounces Back

Cotton and related items account for about 60% of Pakistan's export earnings.

ECONOMIST: The riddle of Pakistan | The