Another disastrous season for cotton looms

Business Writer

A shortage of cotton planting seed is expected after the country recorded a record low cotton production this year, industry experts have warned.

After producing a mere 13 000 tonnes of cotton this year, the lowest ever known output, industry experts warned that there would be “virtually no seed to treat for planting,” leaving a huge burden on cotton financiers to import.

Zimbabwe largely uses open pollinated varieties (OPVs), while planting seed from foreign markets, particularly Indian are now largely hybrids.

These seeds, while touted to produce higher yields, are too expensive and often produce inferior quality fibre compared to OPVs.

“It’s a difficult season for cotton producers,” said one executive with a leading cotton merchant. “Low cotton production also means very little available to treat.”

Last season, Zimbabwe endured a devastating drought, believed to be the worst in four decades, which decimated crops.

While cotton is typically resilient to drought, many cotton-growing regions experienced insufficient rainfall to sustain the crop this year.

Moreover, the delayed delivery of inputs under the Presidential Inputs Scheme hindered production as farmers were unable to capitalise on early rains for planting.

Cotton is a crucial crop, particularly for marginalised communities.

“The impact of drought on cotton farming in Zimbabwe is severe, leading to reduced yields and poor-quality seed cotton and the need for adaptive strategies,” Tapiwa Mutonda, Agriculture and Marketing Authority (AMA) agricultural quality inspector and the columnist of its website official wrote recently.

“Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort to promote sustainable agricultural practices, improve water management, and support the farming community in building resilience against climate variability.”

This year, the Government aims to plant 270 000 hectares of cotton this year, with 180 000 hectares funded through State-assisted programme, also as the Presidential Inputs Scheme and the remaining by the private sector.

This is expected to yield 190 000 tonnes of cotton. The total production cost is estimated at US$48,1 million, with the private sector expected to contribute 33 percent. Under the Pfumvudza programme, 180 000 hectares will be planted, requiring two 0,25-hectare plots per grower to qualify for inputs by October.